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Neuropsychological Assessment

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Competence Assessment in Dementia

Abstract

The understanding of aging processes is becoming increasingly relevant since the average age and longevity of the population is increasing. Normal aging is associated with some changes in intellectual functioning. While the so-called cristallized intellectual abilities (e.g., vocabulary, reasoning) are relatively preserved, there is a significant decline in cognitive functions belonging to the “fluid” domains (e.g., perceptual speed, memory load). Nevertheless, effects of plasticity can also be observed in aging. The latter is subserved by environmental stimulation. Along with the aging process there is an increase in prevalence of the dementia syndromes. In many patients dementia is preannounced by some partial intellectual decline, mostly in the memory domain. This syndrome is described as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and represents in some cases a prodromal phase of dementia, since a high proportion of MCI patients convert to dementia within a year. Unfortunately, most clinicians do not screen for cognitive problems in their practice unless they receive complaints from either the patients or their relatives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuropsychology and Behavioural Neurology, University Clinic (Knappschaftskrankenhaus), Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University, In der Schornau 23–25, 44892, Bochum, Germany

    Priv.-Doz. Dr.rer. nat. Pasquale Calabrese

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  1. Priv.-Doz. Dr.rer. nat. Pasquale Calabrese
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken, Basel, Schweiz

    Gabriela Stoppe

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Calabrese, P. (2008). Neuropsychological Assessment. In: Stoppe, G. (eds) Competence Assessment in Dementia. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-72369-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-72369-2_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-211-72368-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-211-72369-2

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