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What is a cognitive disorder? How to recognize it? Should we be worried?

What is a cognitive disorder? How to recognize it? Should we be worried?

cognitive disorders are an alteration of one or more cognitive functions such as memory loss for example. Cognitive impairment is often age-related when a person ages, but can have various other causes such as brain trauma, disease or other.

Definition of cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment is a degradation of memory capacity . This alteration of brain functions is most of the time related to the age of the aging person. However, certain illnesses can alter this memory. When cognitive impairment is linked to aging, it is often moderate without necessarily progressing to dementia. Symptoms vary depending on the region of the brain that is affected. Cognitive disorders do not necessarily go hand in hand with the loss of intellectual abilities, but oversights such as:

  • Loss of object
  • Forgetting a phone number
  • Forgetting a person's name
  • A lack of organization

Are the main cognitive disorders. Cognitive disorders further impact the speed at which a person's brain processes information. He reacts less quickly than before and the actions are carried out by the person who becomes slower to apply them. Cognitive disorders mainly concern memory disorders such as:

  • The forgetting of certain places
  • Forgetting emotions
  • Forgetting personal events

Good to know :the symptoms of cognitive disorders must be identified quickly so as not to confuse them with the development of a serious pathology such as Alzheimer’s disease for example.

The difference between cognitive impairment due to aging and Alzheimer's disease

When a person ages, his organism is slowed down, because the cells no longer regenerate in the same way. We then notice a slowdown in movements and less flexible mobility than before. The brain then has more difficulty performing complex tasks. These signs of aging are normal for the aging person and there is no need to worry too much. Cognitive impairment is manifested by a loss of memory when the person is independent. However, this slight decline must be monitored, as it may hide the development of Alzheimer's disease at this stage. Dementia is another disorder that appears gradually and degrades memory, but also behavior with psychological disorders and depression. These states are different and should not be confused.

What are the areas favoring cognitive disorders?

In general, it is brain damage which leads to certain sequelae including cognitive disorders. The main one of these disorders is CVA or stroke. A vascular failure in the brain can alter certain functions and sequelae can also be lasting.

MS or multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease whose symptoms can lead to cognitive impairment

Alzheimer's disease has three phases that evolve unfavorably for the person with the following symptoms:

  • First phase:it is called the pre-demented phase . People are still autonomous, but experience a memory disorder and it is at this stage that it can be confused with cognitive disorders.
  • Second phase:the insane phase highlights the loss of autonomy of the patient in his daily life
  • The third phase:the severe dementia phase is a stage where the patient has completely lost his autonomy. He is then affected by cognitive disorders, behavioral disorders such as hallucinations, apathy or great agitation. He is also prone to neurological disorders such as epileptic seizures.

Cognitive disorders in the depressed elderly person

Seniors, when they are depressed , often have cognitive impairment that usually goes hand in hand. Older people are often upset by the death of a loved one, illness and/or hospitalization, etc. These situations are very difficult for him to manage and they often lead to depression. In seniors, we must therefore never neglect an oversight or a loss of capacity, however slight, because it can be a symptom or a warning sign of a cognitive deficit.

Prevent cognitive impairment

The cognitive decline of a person starting to age can be prevented if we act quickly on:

  • A beginning of depression
  • Stress
  • A chronic disease

These factors are essential and increase the risk of cognitive disorders. The elderly person must have a balanced diet adapted to their pace of life, but not only:they must do:

  • Regular physical activity
  • Have a cultural and intellectual activity
  • Staying in a social environment without being isolated
  • Use a relaxing virtual reality

Meditation to help with cognitive disorders

When a senior begins to have cognitive impairment, he can indulge in meditation which is a daily exercise having a strong positive impact on memory. By meditating, he will learn to breathe correctly and the brain will be better oxygenated. This action strongly contributes to improving your brain health . The senior can then regain positive emotions and some concentration skills.

Existing treatments for cognitive disorders

To combat cognitive disorders in the elderly, they must be taken care of and combined with drug treatment and therapy . If the cognitive impairment stems from depression, an infection or a dietary imbalance, then it may be irreversible. In other cases, with a healthy lifestyle and pleasant activities, the senior can have a good rhythm of pleasant life. To achieve a result, it is necessary to do cognitive rehabilitation consisting of memorizing words and reciting them in order or paying attention to the processing of information, etc.

The cognitive rehabilitation exercises can stimulate the brain so that it can use clearing networks. In this way, it compensates for areas that work less well, especially if they have lesions. As part of cognitive rehabilitation, the senior does three sessions a week. Each lasts 4 to 5 hours. The repetition of this training thus mobilizes the compensation networks and thus helps to maintain the gains .