cient information to make a more specific diagnosis (e.g., in emergency room settings).
Major and Mild Neurocognitive Disorders
Major Neurocognitive Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria
A. Evidence of significant cognitive decline from a previous level of performance in one
or more cognitive domains (complex attent ion, executive function, learning and mem-
ory, language, perceptual-motor, or social cognition) based on:
1. Concern of the individual, a knowledgeable informant, or the clinician that there has
been a significant decline in cognitive function; and
2. A substantial impairment in cognitive performance, preferably documented by stan-
dardized neuropsychological testing or, in its absence, another quantified clinical
assessment.
B. The cognitive deficits interfere with independence in everyday activities (i.e., at a min-
imum, requiring assistance with complex instrumental activities of daily living such as
paying bills or managing medications).
C. The cognitive deficits do not occur e xclusively in the context of a delirium.