What is cognition?
Cognition, as defined by Dhakal and Bobrin in 2023, is actually the mental process by which individuals acquire knowledge and understanding using their thoughts, experiences and senses. This encompasses a wide range of mental functions, including attention, memory, knowledge, decision-making, planning, reasoning, judgment and more. These processes involve the complex interaction of neural networks in the brain. In short, it's about how we experience the world around us and how we use our knowledge to make decisions and solve problems. In this blog post, we will explore different aspects of cognitive impairment and how it affects patients. We will also take a closer look at research, diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.
Neurocognitive disorders refer to conditions that occur as a result of damage to neural tissue located in various parts of the brain, leading to a decline in cognitive functions. These include the disorders delirium, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. MCI represents an intermediate phase between normal age-related cognitive changes and more severe cognitive impairments such as dementia. The symptoms, although noticeable, are not as severe as those seen in dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Common signs of MCI include frequent misting of objects, difficulty finding words and forgetfulness of recent events, as described by the National Institute on Aging in 2021.
Symptoms that may be signs of cognitive impairment
- Mental capacity is reduced, and fatigue is noticeable.
- Memory problems that affect functional ability.
- Sensory impressions are interpreted with difficulty.
- Attention is characterized by challenges.
- Impaired regulation of behavior and emotions.
- Mental pace is significantly slowed down.
- Problem-solving and logical thinking skills are impaired.
- The use of language and the ability to communicate appropriately in different situations is perceived as difficult.
Causes
The epidemiology of cognitive decline is complex and multifactorial. It can occur at different stages of life, including idiopathic (without known cause), in childhood or adolescence. Several factors contribute to cognitive decline, with Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease, frontotemporal degeneration, traumatic head injury, infections and alcohol abuse among the leading causes. Cognitive impairment resulting from head injuries can represent an invisible disability. A person may appear as they did before the injury and possibly carry on conversations without it being obvious that they have a disability. Others may develop language difficulties and problems with verbal expression. Identifying cognitive impairment can be a challenging task, but the consequences for the person experiencing it can be significant. The invisible nature and difficulty in detecting it makes the situation even more challenging for both the affected person and relatives.
Treatment
While there is no standardized treatment for neurocognitive disorders, it is important to note that cognitive functions can be improved with appropriate interventions. Medication and neurological rehabilitation are two potential approaches based on the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections, which underlies the potential for cognitive improvement in people with neurocognitive disorders. Neurological rehabilitation can include various strategies and therapies designed to improve cognitive function and quality of life for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
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