CHAPTER  13

Brain Disorders and Other Cognitive Impairments

The first half of this chapter covers neuropsychological brain disorders. These disorders are more or less the direct product of the physical interruption of established neural pathways in the brain. The chapter begins with a description of the types of symptoms appearing to result from brain damage, as well as the interaction of brain hardware and software. Next, the focus turns to the general clinical features of neuropsychological disorders and major neuropsychological syndromes. The devastating organic syndrome caused by the HIV-1 virus, and the causal processes and effects of Alzheimer's disease are covered in depth. Finally, neuropsychological problems secondary to head injury are reviewed.

The second half of the chapter covers mental retardation, including behaviors that are characteristic of the different levels or degrees of mental retardation. Causal factors and treatments for mental retardation are then reviewed. The last part of Chapter 13 discusses the clinical picture, causal factors, and treatments for the learning disorders (such as dyslexia). There is an emphasis on the lack of awareness and options available to the children suffering from them. Finally, issues regarding environmental influences on IQ test performance and the question of "culture-free" IQ tests are discussed.

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