Do I Have Major Or Mild Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder?

Do you meet the criteria for major or mild neurocognitive disorder? There must be changes that impact cognitive functioning. Symptoms can be observed by yourself, a relative or detected through objective testing.

Is the onset of the cognitive deficits temporally related to one or more cerebrovascular events?

Is the evidence for decline prominent in complex attention (including processing speed) and frontal-executive function (executive function helps you remember details, manage time, avoid doing the wrong thing, etc.)?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not better explained by another brain disease or systemic disorder?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. The disorder causes many problems and impairment in social and occupational functioning. The disorder gets worse and reaches a point where the person is incapable of doing daily activities, such as grocery shopping and driving. Over time, the person will need total nursing care. The person may become violent, irresponsible and reckless. Therefore, detecting early signs is very important.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder. Seeking medical support is of high importance. Your doctor will test your memory and cognitive functioning, and also talk with someone close to you about the way he or she experiences your symptoms. In case of moderate or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder, donepezil has been shown to be effective for some time. This medication will improve cognitive functioning and daily activities, but the benefit will only last several months. Psychosocial interventions and caregiver support are extremely important to manage the disorder.