Approach to Older Patients With Cognitive Impairment

This book presents a systematic approach to cases of cognitive impairment. Due to the heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations of cognitive impairment, the book serves as a comprehensive reference guide for healthcare professionals who routinely encounter such cases in their clinical practice, encompassing all aspects of cognitive disorders. It also provides a state of the art update of cognitive impairment, covering its history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, causes, prevention, and management. Furthermore, the approach to the caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment as well as driving, a salient social problem in such cases, is addressed. The number of older adults with cognitive impairment is rising rapidly due to increased life expectancy. Forgetfulness, the most common form, is a major concern among the elderly and their families because of its link to Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition. Other neurodegenerative diseases like vascular dementia, DLB, FTD, and PPD, as well as reversible cognitive disorders such as depression and delirium, are also common. These conditions can present with various symptoms, including behavioral disorders, apraxia, agnosia, sleep disturbances, dysautonomia, slowed movement, and falls. Differentiating cognitive symptoms from age-related changes is challenging due to the complexity of cognitive aging and common comorbidities in the elderly. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions or restrictions. The book will be of interest to all professionals working in geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, neurology, internal medicine, neuroscience, primary care practice, and all those involved in working with older patients in hospitals or the community.