Neuropsychological Tools For Dementia

Neuropsychological Tools for Dementia: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment takes a unique approach by combining the neuroscientific background of neuropsychology, neuropsychological tools for diagnosis and disease staging, and neuropsychological treatment into one comprehensive book for researchers and clinicians. Sections present an introduction to neuropsychological assessment in dementias, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia (alpha-synucleinopathies), atypical Parkinson’s diseases (tauopathies), language and behavioral variants of frontotemporal lobe degeneration, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Each chapter elucidates the point that neuropsychological measures provide the tools to differentiate disease-specific impairments from normal age-related cognitive decline, and from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the book discusses the possibility of helping patients through neuropsychological intervention. Case studies aid in the reader’s comprehension of the field, and two short guidelines for each disease’s specific assessment and treatment prepare readers for handling real-life patients. Includes epidemiological information regarding dementia Demonstrates the use of neuropsychological tests and screening tools in diagnosing and differentiating patients with dementia Outlines which investigation strategy and neuropsychological tests work best for assessing patients for different neurodegenerative diseases Reviews specific interventions to slow the progress of dementia wherever possible Discusses the neuropathology, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

With the aging of the baby boomers and medical advances that promote longevity, older adults are rapidly becoming the fastest growing segment of the population. As the population ages, so does the incidence of age related disorders. Many predict that 15% - 20% of the baby-boomer generation will develop some form of cognitive decline over the course of their lifetime, with estimates escalating to up to 50% in those achieving advanced age. Although much attention has been directed at Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, it is estimated that nearly one third of those cases of cognitive decline result from other neuropathological mechanisms. In fact, many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease likely have co-morbid disorders that can also influence cognition (i.e., vascular cognitive impairment), suggesting mixed dementias are grossly under diagnosed. The Clinical Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Aging and Dementia is a unique work that provides clinicians with expert guidance and a hands-on approach to neuropsychological practice with older adults. The book will be divided into two sections, the first addressing special considerations for the evaluation of older adults, and the second half focusing on common referral questions likely to be encountered when working with this age group. The authors of the chapters are experts and are recognized by their peers as opinion leaders in their chosen chapter topics. The field of neuropsychology has played a critical role in developing methods for early identification of late life cognitive disorders as well as the differential diagnosis of dementia. Neuropsychological assessment provides valuable clinical information regarding the nature and severity of cognitive symptoms associated with dementia. Each chapter will reinforce the notion that neuropsychological measures provide the clinician with sensitive tools to differentiate normal age-related cognitive decline from disease-associated impairment, aid in differential diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in older adults, as well as identify cognitive deficits most likely to translate into functional impairments in everyday life.

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This book reviews important neuropsychological measures currently used in the assessment of dementia by the principal clinicians and researchers associated with the test, offering practical guidance on each test along with an analysis of its limitations.

This book describes the latest advances in our psychological understanding of Alzheimer's disease, bringing together the main experts in this field to describe recent developments. It will be valuable for people working in related disciplines, such as neurology, psychiatry and neuroscience researchers, as well as providing an introduction to the field for psychologists.

Dementia in the adult U.S. population is a devastating disorder that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed in its early stages. Despite the current lack of unequivocally effective treatment, recognition of early-stage dementia may offer substantial benefits. These include avoidance of inappropriate treatment related to misdiagnosis and time for the patient and family to address issues of financial, legal, and medical care planning. This Clinical Practice Guideline is intended to help primary care providers recognize and assess Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the early stages. Differential diagnosis is beyond the scope of the guideline; however, the guidline contains a list of resources for further clinical evaluation once probable dementia has been identified.

This volume presents current research information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in a format suitable for clinicians. The authors address the principal components and neuropsychological features of dementia syndromes, as well as recent developments in brain imaging.

The go-to resource for assessing and predicting functional abilities in persons with brain injury or cognitive decline has now been revised and expanded to reflect significant advances in the field. With a focus on key real-world capacities--independent living, vocational functioning, medication management, and driving--leading experts explore how individuals go about their daily lives, where and why disruptions occur, and potential opportunities for improving function. Strategies for direct assessment are reviewed, from standard neuropsychological tests to multimodal approaches and technology-based tools. Chapters also provide functional assessment guidance for specific neurological and psychiatric conditions: dementia, traumatic brain injury, depression, schizophrenia, and others. New to This Edition *Incorporates over a decade of technological and methodological innovations. *Chapter on theories and models of everyday functioning. *Chapters on naturalistic assessment, wearable sensors, ambulatory assessment, and virtual-reality-based tools. *Practical clinical implications are highlighted throughout.