Behavioral Neurology

Abstract

Cognitive and behavioral changes are exceptionally common in patients aged 65 years and older due to the increasing population living with different levels of cognitive impairment. Clinicians who take care of a geriatric population can benefit from understanding the spectrum of cognitive aging and neurodegenerative diseases, given that its presence can influence approach to care in different specialties. This chapter provides an overview of concepts related to cognitive aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia, as well as common presentations and recommended evaluation. Characteristics of typical underlying etiologies and management are discussed, including the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.