Abstract

FERNANDEZ, Jorge Alberto. Description of a new concept in the field of neuropsychology: Premorbid state of cognition. Subj. procesos cogn. [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.2, pp.17-27. ISSN 1852-7310.

The great amount of work presented in the history of nosological literature of dementia stages account for differential diagnosis that follows relatively precise criteria for each type of dementia. Criteria have been established for minimum cognitive deterioration that in most cases evolve towards dementia. The aim of this work is to examine different authors on the perspective of mental health states in the elderly as well as to examine nosology for minimum cognitive deterioration. The purpose is to devise, in a nomenclature table, a new concept of a state of cognition: "Pre-morbid state of cognition" which would function as juncture between healthy and pathological states of the elderly. The above mentioned state of cognition implies significant risk factors that root possible cognitive deterioration, which go undetected by neuropsychological tests and clinical analysis, including neuroimages, in spite of the subjective connotation it has on the person and his/ her family that may disturb everyday life. Finally, a possible non pharmacological treatment is proposed (cognitive stimulation workshop) with the purpose of retarding possible deterioration and improving life quality.

Keywords : Memory; Nomenclature table; Premorbid state; Risk factors; Diagnosis criteria; Non pharmacological stimulation.

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