Neurocognition

Neurocognitive functions are cognitive functions closely linked to the integrity of specific brain systems—particular cortical and subcortical regions, neural pathways, and large-scale networks—such that disruption of those neural substrates produces characteristic patterns of cognitive impairment. The concept is central to neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, which relate structure and function of the nervous system to cognition and behaviour.

A neurocognitive deficit is a reduction or impairment in one or more cognitive domains attributable to brain dysfunction (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, HIV infection, or substance use disorder), commonly demonstrated on objective testing and often accompanied by functional decline.