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Review
. 2025 Oct 1;17(10):e93642.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.93642. eCollection 2025 Oct.

The Neuropsychology of Chronic Neurological Disorders: A Review of Cognitive and Emotional Impairments

Harsh S  1 , Haseeb Javaid Rather  2 , Amitabh Dwivedi  3 , Suman Bala  4 , P Velladurai  5 , Seethalakshmy Anantharaman  6
Affiliations
Review

The Neuropsychology of Chronic Neurological Disorders: A Review of Cognitive and Emotional Impairments

Harsh S et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Chronic neurological disorders (CNDs) represent a broad spectrum of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury that significantly impair cognitive and emotional functioning. These neuropsychological deficits are not merely ancillary to neurological deterioration but are core features that profoundly affect daily living and long-term outcomes. This review synthesizes current evidence on the cognitive domains most commonly affected, such as memory, attention, executive function, and language, and the spectrum of emotional disturbances, including depression, anxiety, apathy, and mood dysregulation. By examining disorder-specific profiles, neurobiological underpinnings, and brain-behavior relationships, the review underscores the interdependence between cognitive and emotional processes. Further, it evaluates standard and emerging neuropsychological assessment tools, including neuroimaging and digital platforms, and outlines intervention strategies ranging from cognitive rehabilitation and psychotherapy to pharmacological and integrative care models. Limitations in cultural adaptation, technological implementation, and longitudinal tracking are discussed alongside future research directions emphasizing AI, genomics, and personalized medicine. The findings advocate for a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to neuropsychological care, which is essential for enhancing quality of life in individuals affected by CNDs.

Keywords: chronic neurological disorders; cognitive impairment; emotional dysregulation; neuropsychological assessment; personalized care; rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mindmap of Brain Circuits (Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, Orbitofrontal/Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex, Medial Temporal Lobe, Limbic System, and Basal Ganglia-Prefrontal Cortex Loop)
Image Credit: Harsh S
Figure 2
Figure 2. Core Dimensions of Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Chronic Neurological Disorders
Image Credit: Harsh S
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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