BEYOND NORMAL AGING: NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IN IDENTIFYING COGNITIVE DISORDERS IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Cognition is the set of mental processes that allow us to acquire, process, and use information, encompassing functions such as memory, attention, language, and reasoning. It is the basis for our interaction with the world. With aging, some cognitive changes can emerge. When the decline is significant, it is classified as a neurocognitive disorder. These disorders are divided into two categories. The first is mild disorders, in which the individual and their family members notice a small loss of function, but it does not substantially interfere with their ability to perform daily activities. The second category is major disorders, in which cognitive decline is pronounced, compromising the individual's independence and autonomy in complex tasks, such as managing finances, making decisions, or maintaining personal hygiene. To differentiate normal aging from a disorder, neuropsychological assessment is an essential tool. In older adults, this assessment focuses on identifying specific deficits in areas such as memory (episodic and working), attention (sustained and selective), and executive functions (planning, mental flexibility, and inhibitory control). The process utilizes a battery of standardized tests and a detailed collection of the patient's history and behavior. This comprehensive and structured method is crucial for providing an accurate diagnosis and, based on it, developing an appropriate intervention plan to improve the quality of life of the elderly individual and their family.