“Understanding and addressing Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is an emerging field of science.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
It’s usually a good idea to get an evaluation when experiencing issues with concentration, attention, or memory. Recognizing the differences between various cognitive disorders is crucial for appropriate management and care.
LEARN ABOUT FUNCTIONAL COGNITIVE DISORDER (FCD)
Functional cognitive disorder (FCD) is an emerging area in brain science. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, FCD involves reported cognitive issues typically without the sensory or motor problems seen in dementia.
IDENTIFY THE SYMPTOMS
Typical symptoms of FCD include memory lapses, word-finding difficulties, and attention issues. These can be worsened by factors such as medications, depression, anxiety, pain, and poor sleep. Unlike dementia, FCD symptoms can fluctuate a lot, and individuals often experience good and bad days in their cognitive abilities.
RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENCES FROM DEMENTIA
FCD differs from dementia in several ways. People with FCD are often under 65, have higher education levels, and experience symptoms suddenly. The person often reports having much lower cognitive ability from what their neurophyschological assessments show and/or how well they function day-to-day. They are more aware and concerned about these percieved cognitive issues, unlike those with Alzheimer’s, who may not realize their cognitive decline.
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Diagnosing FCD involves thorough evaluations similar to those for dementia. However, FCD does not typically get worse over time, unlike progressive disorders like Alzheimer’s. Management focuses on treating symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, and depression, and using self-help strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy to improve quality of life.
By understanding and addressing FCD, we can provide better support and care for those experiencing cognitive challenges.
RESOURCES
Check out this Fact Sheet from neurosymptoms.org to learn more.
Join AgeWiseU to find a get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com/join
AgeWiseU is a hub of digital courses with curated resources and video content – PLUS an interactive community for caregivers of people living with dementia, adult children caring for aging parents, anyone wanting to learn more about brain health, and people who want to learn more about staying healthy as they age.
About Melissa:
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse researcher with over 25 years of experience in the aging and long-term care healthcare space. You can visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly,
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