Question

Choose a psychological disorder from the DSM-V.

Neurocognitive Disorders (591)

• What type of therapy do you believe would be the most successful in treating this type of disorder?

Answer 1

Answer-

Alzheimer's Disease-

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destructs and individual's ability to think, comprehend, memorize, and even carry out simple everyday tasks. Early and most common symptoms of Alzheimer's can be characterized by impaired judgment, weakened reasoning, a downfall in various aspects of cognition (non-memory), poor spatial skills, etc.

Alzheimer's is an irreversible neurocognitive disorder. However, its symptoms can be managed with appropriate therapy. The course and type of therapy, however, depend on various factors such as - age and severity of the condition.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are medications that are usually prescribed for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer's. These medications help control and reduce certain behavioral symptoms. These medications include donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine. These drugs help in preventing the malfunction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical that is important for brain functions like memorizing and thinking.

Drugs like memantine are used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer's. Memantine is an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist, which helps in decreasing symptoms associated with everyday functioning.