Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

One Foot in the Gravy

Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is the psychiatrist’s Bible. It is considered authoritative for all mental disorders, and is updated and reissued every 20 years, most recently in 2013. When I was in training we used DSM-3. I read the most recent issue, number five, and found that what we used to call dementia has a new name. It is separated into two types, Major Neurocognitive Disorder, analogous to dementia, and Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, a newly-recognized illness. I reviewed what I had learned forty-plus years ago, and recalled that memory tests are not necessarily the best indicators of a neurocognitive disorder; rather, lack of focus, vacant staring and a stiffened gait creating problems with stumbles were more useful. Next, I asked Copilot, Microsoft’s AI, to write a description of Mild NCD.

A Layman’s Description of Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

Mild neurocognitive disorder is a condition where an individual experiences a slight but noticeable decline in cognitive abilities, including areas such as memory, language, or problem-solving skills. This decline is more than what one would expect from normal aging but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily activities or independence¹. It’s like when your computer starts to run a bit slower than usual; it’s not a complete breakdown, but you notice it’s not as quick at opening apps or switching tasks as it used to be. In the same way, someone with mild neurocognitive disorder may find it takes a bit longer to recall names, learn new things, or follow complex instructions. While it can be a precursor to more serious conditions like dementia, it doesn’t always lead to a more severe decline¹.