This book presents a systematic approach to cases of cognitive impairment. Due to the heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations of cognitive impairment, the book serves as a comprehensive reference guide for healthcare professionals who routinely encounter such cases in their clinical practice, encompassing all aspects of cognitive disorders.

It also provides a state of the art update of cognitive impairment, covering its history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, causes, prevention, and management. Furthermore, the approach to the caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment as well as driving, a salient social problem in such cases, is addressed.  

The number of older adults with cognitive impairment is rising rapidly due to increased life expectancy. Forgetfulness, the most common form, is a major concern among the elderly and their families because of its link to Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition. Other neurodegenerative diseases like vascular dementia, DLB, FTD, and PPD, as well as reversible cognitive disorders such as depression and delirium, are also common. These conditions can present with various symptoms, including behavioral disorders, apraxia, agnosia, sleep disturbances, dysautonomia, slowed movement, and falls. Differentiating cognitive symptoms from age-related changes is challenging due to the complexity of cognitive aging and common comorbidities in the elderly. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions or restrictions.

The book will be of interest to all professionals working in geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, neurology, internal medicine, neuroscience, primary care practice, and all those involved in working with older patients in hospitals or the community.

Professor Ahmet Turan Isik, M.D., Ph.D. Chair, Department of Geriatrics at Izmir Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine The founder and president of the Geriatric Science Association in Türkiye. As an internist, geriatrician, and neuroscientist, he primarily works with cognitive disorders and dementia syndromes, and movement disorders in the elderly. Besides, he also takes care of other geriatric syndromes and comorbid conditions seen in the elderly and leads a multidisciplinary team that provides comprehensive care to our aging population. Over the past 30 plus years, he has dedicated his career to advancing geriatric care through both clinical practice and innovative research. So, he also knows a thing or two about research and project development, planning, and execution. Experienced and qualified physician-scientist in patient care as well as in designing and executing clinical and experimental research in geriatric medicine, especially in cognitive impairments, dementia caused by neurodegeneration, and pharmacotherapy in older adults.