Development of an integrative approach to the assessment of cognitive abilities in patients with neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system

Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly common in Latvian society. Early and accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases helps to initiate correct and adequate therapy, which helps delay the progress of degenerative changes in the central nervous system. One of the early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases of central nervous system is cognitive impairment, which reduces the quality of life of patients, limits their social activity and prevents participation in the labor market. Early diagnosis of cognitive disorders helps to detect neurodegenerative diseases before clinical and visual diagnostic methods. Magnetic resonance (MR) detects brain atrophy and neuronal connections in the brain substance that are lost due to neurodegenerative diseases, but does not determine the severity of cognitive impairment. In the course of the project, a set of cognitive and perceptual measurements will be developed, including visuo-spatial, object and language perception measurements. Appropriate measurements will be compared with patients\\\' clinical status and MR findings to early identify neurodegenerative diseases.