Cognition, Dementia, and Behavioral Neurology
How Cognition Is Organized
Network model
Cognition depends on distributed networks involving cortex, subcortex, and white matter. Damage to one node can disrupt memory, language, attention, or executive function.
Major cognitive domains
Difficulty with planning, set shifting, and inhibition most strongly reflects dysfunction of the:
These are executive functions often associated with frontal-subcortical circuits.
Correct answer: Executive function
What is the difference between delirium and dementia in one phrase?
Time course and fluctuation are key differentiators.
Correct answer: delirium is acute and fluctuating; dementia is chronic and progressive
Dementia Syndromes and Localization
Pattern recognition in dementias
Alzheimer disease
- Prominent episodic memory impairment early
- Progressive decline over time
Vascular cognitive impairment
- Stepwise or patchy decline
- Focal neurologic signs may coexist
Diagnostic caution
Cognitive decline in an older adult is not automatically dementia; depression, medications, sleep disorders, and metabolic problems can mimic it.
Early behavioral disinhibition and language change suggest which dementia syndrome?
Frontotemporal dementia often begins with behavior or language dysfunction.
Correct answer: Frontotemporal dementia
What feature strongly suggests delirium rather than dementia?
Delirium is marked by inattention and waxing/waning course.
Correct answer: acute fluctuating attention impairment
Behavioral Neurology in Practice
Evaluation framework
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1
Step 1: Determine onset, tempo, and fluctuation.
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2
Step 2: Test attention, memory, language, and executive function.
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3
Step 3: Review medications, mood, sleep, and substance use.
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4
Step 4: Look for focal neurologic signs and functional impairment.
Visual hallucinations plus parkinsonism and cognitive fluctuations point most strongly to:
This triad is characteristic of Lewy body dementia.
Correct answer: Lewy body dementia
Why is medication review important in cognitive complaints?
Sedatives, anticholinergics, and many other agents can impair cognition.
Correct answer: because drugs can cause or worsen confusion and memory problems