What is now referred to as "neurocognitive disorder" in the DSM-V?

The term "neurocognitive disorder" in the DSM-V specifically encompasses conditions that affect cognitive functioning, which includes thinking, memory, perception, and judgment. The previous terminology for what is now classified as neurocognitive disorder included dementia, which signifies a significant decline in cognitive ability that interferes with independence in everyday activities.

The DSM-V redefined dementia under the umbrella of neurocognitive disorders, recognizing it as a syndrome characterized by cognitive impairment resulting from various underlying causes, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular brain injury, or other medical conditions. This change reflects a more nuanced understanding of the various conditions affecting cognitive function, rather than isolating dementia as a singular diagnosis.

In contrast, delirium is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and changes in cognition, but it is typically transient and caused by medical illness or substance intoxication. Agnosia, which refers to the inability to recognize objects or people despite having intact sensory abilities, and amnesia, which is primarily a memory disorder, do not encompass the broader category represented by neurocognitive disorders as defined in DSM-V. Understanding the transition from dementia to neurocognitive disorder helps clarify the scope and classification of cognitive impairments recognized in clinical practice today.