Mental Health » Cognitive Disorders

WHAT ARE COGNITIVE DISORDERS?

Cognitive disorders or Cognitive Impairment encompass a wide range of neurological conditions. Disordered thinking may be the harbinger of a neurodegenerative disorder or may be an early manifestation of a stroke or even psychosis. Often times, cognitive disorders can arise from lesions in the frontal lobes of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease, tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis, trauma and toxic drug-induced states may be the culprit.

Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative dementia sub-types are progressive, irreversible brain diseases that lead to a decline in memory and other cognitive functions sufficient to impact activities of daily living. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia, mixed dementias are becoming increasingly recognized

DIAGNOSIS

Our providers can diagnose cognitive impairment by evaluating a person’s cognitive and behavioral changes, considering all the possible causes and talking with the person about the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Although the person may be given a number of tests to help assess their symptoms, there is no specific test that can diagnose mild cognitive impairment. If mild cognitive impairment is suspected, a number of physical and cognitive tests will most likely be performed.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS

  • Missed office appointments

  • Calls office frequently or inappropriately

  • Confused, forgetful or less compliant about medications

  • Defers to family member in answering questions

  • Has suffered a stroke

  • Unexplained falls and fractures

  • Frequent emergency room visits

  • Experiences late life depression, or delirium

  • Patient is unable to recall treatment instructions or recommendations from prior visits or

  • Presents signs of self-neglect (e.g., hygiene, grooming, unexplained weight loss).

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