How to Evaluate Six Neurocognitive Domains in Dementia: Social Cognition

It is important to have knowledge of these six neuro-cognitive domains for the evaluation & diagnosis of dementia subtypes.

In this discussion series, Dr. Harvinder Singh has divided this discussion into the following six neurocognitive domains evaluation:

  1. Complex Attention
  2. Executive Function
  3. Memory & Learning
  4. Language
  5. Perceptual-Motor
  6. Social Cognition

The Social Cognition domain is most likely to be affected in frontotemporal dementia, behavioral variant. Patient can present with the following clinical presentations:

  • Changes in behavior or attitudes
  • Difficulty recognizing social cues
  • Difficulty reading facial expressions
  • Degreased empathy
  • Increased extraversion or introversion
  • Decreased inhibitions
  • Apathy

Here is one slide from this presentation on how to evaluate Social Cognition Neurocognitive Domain:

This chapter will discuss the following six neurocognitive domains:

(1) Complex Attention:

  • Sustained Attention
  • Selective Attention
  • Divided Attention
  • Processing Speed

(2) Executive Function: 

  • Planning
  • Inhibitory Control
  • Working Memory
  • Cognitive Flexibility

(3) Memory & Learning: 

  • Immediate Memory
  • Recent Memory
  • Semantic/Long-term Memory
  • Autobiographical Memory

(4) Language:

  • Expressive Language
  • Grammar & Syntax
  • Receptive Language

(5) Perceptual Motor: 

  • Visuo-Constructional
  • Perceptual-Motor
  • Praxis

(6) Social Cognition: 

  • Recognition of Emotions
  • Theory of Mind

Evaluating Neurocognitive Domains in Dementia

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