3 paragraphs for discussion IF YOU CANT DO IT DONT ACCEPT. I will request a refund Explain the diagnostic criteria for your assigned neurocognitive disorder. Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for your assigned neurocognitive disorder. Identify the risks of different types of therapy and explain how the benefits of the therapy that might be achieved might outweigh the risk
The neurocognitive disorder that will be discussed in this paper is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects cognition, memory, and behavior. The diagnostic criteria for AD include both clinical and neuropathological features. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), for a diagnosis of AD, there should be evidence of gradual cognitive decline in at least two cognitive domains, such as memory, language, or executive function, and this decline should interfere with daily functioning (APA, 2013). Moreover, the presence of biomarkers, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, detected through imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis, can support the diagnosis.
Evidence-based psychotherapy for AD focuses on intervention strategies aimed at managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life for patients and their caregivers. One such approach is cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT), which aims to target specific cognitive deficits through various techniques such as memory training, attentional exercises, and problem-solving tasks. CRT has shown effectiveness in improving cognitive function and enhancing everyday functioning in individuals with AD (Clare et al., 2019). Another psychotherapeutic intervention is behavioral management techniques that aim to modify problematic behaviors commonly seen in AD, such as agitation and aggression. These techniques involve providing a structured environment, promoting engagement in meaningful activities, and utilizing positive reinforcement strategies to manage behavior (Moniz-Cook et al., 2018).
Psychopharmacologic treatment for AD is mainly focused on managing cognitive symptoms and alleviating related behavioral disturbances. The most commonly prescribed medications for AD are cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) and the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and cognition, thereby improving symptoms of cognitive decline. Memantine, on the other hand, modulates glutamate activity in the brain to regulate neuronal excitability and reduce cognitive and behavioral symptoms (Birks, 2018). These medications have demonstrated modest efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and improving function in patients with AD.
When considering the risks of different types of therapy for AD, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as the stage and severity of the disease. For psychotherapies such as CRT, the potential risks may include increased frustration or fatigue due to the cognitive demands of the intervention. Additionally, there may be challenges in implementing the techniques in individuals with advanced AD who have severe cognitive impairments. The benefits of CRT, however, may outweigh these risks as it has shown positive effects on cognition and functional abilities in individuals with mild to moderate AD.
In terms of pharmacological treatments, cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are generally well-tolerated; however, they can be associated with adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., nausea, vomiting) and dizziness. Moreover, the response to these medications may vary among individuals, and not all patients may experience significant improvement in their cognitive function. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of these medications, including slowing the progression of cognitive decline and enhancing some aspects of cognition and daily functioning, may outweigh the potential risks (Birks, 2018).
In conclusion, the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease involve the presence of cognitive decline in multiple domains and evidence of biomarkers supportive of the diagnosis. Psychotherapeutic interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation therapy and behavioral management techniques can improve cognitive function and manage behavioral symptoms in individuals with AD. Pharmacological treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help alleviate cognitive symptoms, albeit with potential side effects. While there are risks associated with different therapy approaches, the potential benefits of these interventions in improving overall quality of life for individuals with AD often outweigh the risks.