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Neurocognitive Disorders Singapore
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Tan Sheng Neng
MMED (Psych), MBBS, MCI, FAMSNeurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are a group of conditions that feature a cognitive decline in one or more cognitive domains, and are commonly known to affect older people. However, it is not part of the normal ageing process as it also affects younger people. You should seek early diagnosis and treatment if you experience a drop in performance for two or more of the following:
- Attentiveness, especially when multitasking
- Planning, organising and decision-making skills
- General learning ability, memory & language ability
- Ability to translate perception into action
- Ability to comprehend social cues and/or behave appropriately in social situations
What is a Neurocognitive Disorder?
Neurocognitive disorders are a group of conditions that frequently lead to impaired mental function. This group of conditions were previously collectively referred to as dementia.
Dementia is the broad category term used to describe the long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that affects a person’s daily functioning. Neurocognitive disorder is now the more commonly used term.
Is your ability to learn, general attentiveness, planning, organising and decision-making skills affecting your personal or work life? You may have developed a neurocognitive disorder.
Neurocognitive disorders are considered serious mental health conditions that can get worse without proper treatment.
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Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Tan Sheng Neng 
Dr Tan was the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service (2017-2019) at Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore. He was also an Assistant Director (Psych) of the Integrated Sleep Service at CGH (SingHealth Duke-NUS Sleep Centre), where he helped develop into a department in 2018.
- Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)
- Master of Clinical Investigation (MCI)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
At present, besides the clinical work in his clinic and hospitals, Dr Tan also holds the following appointments:
- Clinical Advisor to Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Lecturer to Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA)
Dr Tan has a specialised interest in neuropsychiatry. He treats patients with Sleep Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Brain trauma or injury, particularly from strokes.
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General Symptoms of Neurocognitive Disorders
The symptoms of neurocognitive disorders can vary depending on the cause. When the condition occurs as a result of neurodegenerative disease, people may experience:
- Memory Loss
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Other symptoms that may occur in people with neurocognitive disorders include headaches(especially in those with a concussion or traumatic brain injury),
the inability to concentrate or focus, short-term memory loss, trouble performing routine tasks(such as driving), difficulty walking and balancing, or changes in vision.
Causes of Neurocognitive Disorders
The most common cause of neurocognitive disorders is a neurodegenerative disease.
Neurodegenerative disease
Neurodegenerative diseases that can lead to the development of neurocognitive disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Prion disease and Multiple sclerosis.
Nondegenerative conditions
Nondegenerative conditions that may cause neurocognitive disorders include a concussion, traumatic brain injury that causes bleeding in the brain or space around, the brain, blood clots, meningitis, encephalitis, septicemia, HIV infection, drug or alcohol abuse andvitamin deficiency.
Treatment Options for Neurocognitive Disorders
Treatment for neurocognitive disorders varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Different neurodegenerative diseases may require different types of therapy.
Based on your psychiatrist or doctor’s medical evaluation, the treatment plan for your condition may include:
- Physical rest at home to give injuries time to heal
- Pain medication to relieve headaches
- Antibiotics for any remaining infections affecting the brain
- Surgery for severe brain damage
- Occupational therapy to help redevelop everyday skills
- Physical therapy to improve your body’s strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
Is your ability to learn, general attentiveness, planning, organising and decision-making skills affecting your personal or work life? You may have developed a neurocognitive disorder.
Neurocognitive disorders are considered serious mental health conditions that can get worse without proper treatment.
Get Started
Types of Neurocognitive Disorders
Individuals experiencing a decline in cognitive function will present with a wide variety of symptoms. To comprehensively understand what you’re going through, you should reach out to a psychiatrist or professional for a medical evaluation. There are three main categories of neurocognitive disorders:
Delirium
Individuals with delirium experience disturbances in attention. This is observed through their inability to sustain, shift or focus their attention. An individual experiencing an episode of delirium will have a disruption in cognition, including confusion about where they are.
Other common behaviours during a period of delirium may include disorganised thinking, incoherent speech and hallucinations.These symptoms can range from mild to severe, lasting from days to several months.
Major Neurocognitive Disorder
Individuals with Major Neurocognitive Disorder will experience a significant decline in overall cognitive functioning and their ability to carry out simple daily tasks such as cooking food, paying bills, and walking home.
Mild Neurocognitive Disorder
Compared with individuals with a major neurocognitive disorder, people with mild neurocognitive disorder show a less significant decline in cognitive function.
Individuals will also experience less difficulty when engaging in daily activities. However, if the person’s cognitive decline continues progressing, they may require more time or assistance completing his daily tasks.
How are Neurocognitive Disorders Diagnosed?
Diagnosing major or mild neurocognitive disorder requires a thorough physical, psychological and neurological evaluation. During your visit to a psychiatrist or physician, you may be advised to take diagnostic tests such as:
1
Brain scans
A CT or MRI can help your physician determine if a specific brain condition is causing your symptoms. A PET scan may also be recommended as it can show patterns of brain activity and identify if an amyloid protein found in Alzheimer’s disease is present.
2
Cognitive and neuropsychological tests
These tests measure skills such as memory, orientation, reasoning and judgment, language and attention.
3
Lab tests
Blood tests can detect health issues affecting brain function, such as a vitamin B-12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid.
4
Neurological evaluation
Your physician or psychiatrist will evaluate your memory, language skills, visual perception, attention, problem-solving, movement, senses, balance, reflexes and more.
5
Physical examination
A physician may perform a physical exam and ask questions about your health to determine if your symptoms could be linked to an underlying physical health problem or medication side effect.
6
Psychiatric evaluation
Your psychiatrist may evaluate to determine whether depression or another mental health condition contributes to your symptoms.
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Your treatment Roadmap with Dr Tan
1
Registration
Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Book your appointment today.
2
Detailed Consultation
Dr Tan will speak to you, assess your condition, and develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include therapy and/ or medication.
3
Follow-up Visits
Dr Tan will schedule follow up visits to check in with you and make adjustments to your personalised treatment plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neurocognitive disorders be prevented?
Neurocognitive disorders cannot be prevented, but certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing them.
Some good lifestyle habits to adopt include keeping your mind active through puzzles, games and memory training, keeping physically and socially active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes, making sure to get enough vitamin D, and lowering your blood pressure (if high).
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290 Orchard Road
#09-07 Paragon
Singapore 238859 -
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