Introduction to Cognitive Disorders

"Cognition" is a word that mental health professionals use to describe the wide range of mental actions that we rely on every day. Cognition involves many different skills, including:
- perception (taking in information from our senses)
- memory
- learning
- judgment
- abstract reasoning (thinking about things that aren't directly in front of us)
- problem solving
- using language
- planning.
We take many of these skills for granted as we go about our routine activities. For instance, eating breakfast in the morning is a complex task that involves multiple steps. First, we need to be aware of the time (health care professionals call this "being oriented to time") and realize that it is appropriate to have an early meal. Next, we need to decide what to eat, which involves generating different meal options and making a choice. Then, we need to follow the correct steps to prepare the meal. Even somethi...More
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What are cognitive disorders?
- "Cognition" is a word that mental health professionals use to describe the wide range of mental actions that we rely on every day. Cognition involves many different skills, including:
- perception (taking in information from our senses)
- memory
- learning
- judgment
- abstract reasoning (thinking about things that aren't directly in front of us)
- problem solving
- using language
- planning.
- Damage to any part of the brain can result in cognitive problems.
- Most mental health professionals now believe that the majority of mental disorders (if not all of them) are caused or influenced by brain chemistry or another medical issue that affects how the brain functions.
What are the causes of a cognitive disorder?
- There are many other possible causes and types of cognitive disorders.
- It would take an entire book to list all the possible causes of cognitive disorders and the causes of what is often referred to as cognitive dysfunction.
- Cognitive dysfunction is a change in thinking like the changes that happen in cognitive disorders but is not a diagnosable disorder like dementia.
- Some of the major causes of cognitive disorders/dysfunction include:
- Genes: Genetic influences appear to play a role in many different cognitive disorders.
- Head Injury: Head injuries can produce significant cognitive dysfunction. They can be a source of disorders like dementia or amnesia.
- Diseases and Infections: There are many bacteria, viruses, and disease conditions that can affect the brain and lead to cognitive dysfunction or a cognitive disorder.
- Brain Tumors: Tumors that happen in the brain or in the coverings of the brain can affect the area of the brain where they are located.
- Exposure to Toxic Substances: There are many substances that can affect the functioning of the brain and lead to cognitive disorders or cognitive dysfunction.
- Malnutrition or other Lifestyle Factors: Not eating properly, getting sufficient exercise, or other factors associated with the person's lifestyle can lead to the development of a cognitive disorder.
Can cognitive disorders be cured?
- There are many conditions that can result in a person developing a neurocognitive disorder. Some of these conditions can be reversed and others cannot be reversed currently.
- Dementia is a term that refers to a gradual or sudden loss of a person's cognitive abilities. Some of these conditions can be reversed fully or partially.
- Some examples of forms of dementia that are not reversible currently include:
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Lewy body dementia.
- Dementia associated with Huntington's disease.
- Frontotemporal dementia.
- The dementia associated with an HIV infection
- Some conditions that can produce neurocognitive disorders that may be reversed are:
- Depression
- Other neurocognitive disorders that are the result of emotional factors
- Certain forms of delirium
- Neurocognitive disorders associated with a vascular problem
- Neurocognitive disorders associated with a head injury
- Neurocognitive disorders associated with the use of drugs or medications
What is Dementia?
- Dementia is not a specific disease itself.
- It is an overall term used to describe the symptoms and the effects of symptoms that happen because of certain types of diseases or medical conditions.
- Dementia happens when areas of the brain that are involved in functions such as learning, memory, language, and making decisions are affected by a disease, an infection, or some type of medical condition.
- The results of these conditions significantly interfere with the person's ability to function.
- Alzheimer's disease is a form or type of dementia.
- People that develop dementia may have difficulty with:
- Learning new information or recalling (remembering) information.
- Problems with attention and concentration.
- Expressing themselves verbally.
- Understanding spoken or written language.
- Making decisions.
- Understanding how objects in the environment are related to one another.
- Orientation such as not being able to remember the month, year, or where they are.
- Emotional functioning such as having issues with severe depression or anxiety.
- The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, but there are many other known causes of dementia. Other relatively common forms of dementia are Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Mixed dementias, reversible types of dementia.
- Other types of dementia account for a very small proportion of all types of dementia. These conditions include the dementia associated with HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and many other conditions.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
- Alzheimer's Disease is the most frequent cause of dementia and is not a normal part of aging or "just what happens when we get old."
- There are several differences between normal aging and Alzheimer's Disease:
- Memory Changes - Changes in memory are the main features that happen in people with Alzheimer's disease.
- Language Abilities - In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, people may develop problems with language comprehension. This means that they have trouble understanding spoken words and sentences. This often first appears as difficulty following instructions from others.
- Problem Solving - Another area that is severely affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease is the person's ability to solve problems and make decisions. At first, the person may have trouble solving problems such as calculating how much they owe at the grocery store or paying their bills. Later, even simple decisions such as how to open a can of soup can become an issue.
- Self-care and Other Areas: As the disease continues to get worse the mental changes that happen in the person may cause them to have issues caring for themselves. This might include remembering to bathe, how to dress themselves, and take care of their basic needs. Other mental abilities can also be affected.
- The organization, Alzheimer's Disease International, suggests that overall Alzheimer's disease accounts for 70%-75% of all dementia cases.
- In industrialized nations the diagnosis of dementia ranges from between 5% - 10% in individuals in their 70s. This risk increases significantly as people age with most sources reporting a sharp increase for every decade after the age of 65.
- Researchers report that the development of any form of dementia is due to the interaction of many factors. Thus, as a person gets older there must be other factors that interact with the aging process that result in an increase in the chance to develop Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
For more information on Alzheimer's Diease
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For more information on how it is treated
Can Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders be prevented?
- Research does suggest that there may be several activities that most people can engage in that will either significantly decrease the risk that they will develop Alzheimer's disease or will delay the onset of the disorder.
- These options are often referred to as protective factors or behaviors.
- Staying Active: Research has consistently reported that remaining active is an important protective factor for many different diseases and conditions that may happen as one gets older. The research has also shown that staying physically active is a very powerful protective factor against age-related diseases and conditions.
- Getting Good Nutrition: Research has also indicated that good nutritional practices are important preventive factors that can help protect someone against age-related diseases and disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
- Staying connected with others: Continuing to participate in activities with other people is an important protective factor against all sorts of physical and mental age-related problems. People can significantly decrease the risk of developing disorders like Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by doing things like attending talks or lectures, going to church, playing cards, or just being with other people and interacting with them.
- Continuing to get regular medical checkups: It is extremely important for older people to make sure that they are up-to-date on all their medical checkups. They also need to continue to follow the instructions of their doctor regarding any medications or the treatment for any conditions. This includes regular dental checkups.
What coping skills can someone with dementia use?
- Do not be afraid to ask for advice from your doctor regarding how to handle this new situation.
- Confide in family and friends and explain the situation to them as soon as possible.
- If possible, have family and close friends meet with a doctor and the treatment providers to discuss the situation and potential approaches/coping methods that everyone can work together on.
- Consider joining a support group.
- Get treatment for emotional responses such as the start of depression or anxiety.
- Start a journal to record your reactions, thoughts, feelings, etc.
- Make use of strategies that can aid you.
- Change your diet, so that you are eating less junk food, less salt, less carbs, fewer fatty foods, etc. Try to eliminate any use of alcohol except for an occasional alcoholic beverage. Eating healthy can make you feel better.
- Discuss your use of caffeine with your doctor.
- Stay as active as possible.
- For people who are still working, it may be a good idea to discuss the situation with your supervisors to prepare for the future.
- Stay updated on your treatment.
- Organize your life to make it as simple and routine as possible.
- Make sure to plan for the future. If you have not already assigned a legal guardian or power of attorney, this is the time to do that while you can still make these decisions without significant difficulty.
- Make sure that you always carry identification on you. Getting an identification bracelet with an emergency contact number is a good idea for anyone.
- Don't give in no matter how difficult it seems.
What coping skills can a caregiver of someone with dementia use?
- Do your best to understand dementia. Ask questions of treatment providers, read material, and make sure that you understand the basics about dementia.
- Do your best to understand caregiving. Read books and materials on effective caregiving..
- Attend to your personal needs in the same way and with the same manner of care that you attend to the needs of the person that you are caring for.
- Understand and learn about caregiver burnout. This way you can recognize the signs and symptoms of potential burnout and address them.
- Part of being an effective caregiver is understanding when to take control of the situation, and went to give control to someone else.
- Ensure that your expectations of the person that you are caring for are realistic.
- Work with the doctors and other healthcare workers to ensure the best care and setting for your loved one. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.
- Always immediately attend to the medical needs of the person you are caring for.
- Do not put off legal matters such as guardianship issues, power of attorney issues, etc.
- Plan to do things with the person you are caring for. Do not simply become a waitperson.
- Remember to adjust your expectations accordingly. Work with treatment providers to understand the person's level of functioning and capabilities. Be ready to change your expectations according to the level of decline that the person experiences.
- Again, when in doubt, ask for assistance. Do not be afraid to bother physicians, nurses, or other healthcare workers if you have a question about anything.
News Articles
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AHA News: Dementia May Be a Risk Factor for Infection But Not Death From COVID-19
People who have dementia are at much higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, but no more likely to die from it than those without cognitive impairment, new research suggests. More...
Your Eyes May Signal Your Risk for Stroke, Dementia
Researchers found that older adults with the eye disease retinopathy were at increased risk of having a stroke, as well as possible symptoms of dementia. And on average, they died sooner than people their age without the eye condition. More...
Even 1 Concussion May Raise Your Odds for Dementia Later
Sustaining just one head injury may up your chances of developing dementia decades later by 25%, and this risk increases with each subsequent head injury, new research suggests. More...
Alzheimer's Patients Are Being Given Too Many Meds
Many older adults with dementia are prescribed dangerous combinations of drugs that raise their risk of overdose, falls and further mental deterioration, a new study finds. More...
Many Blacks, Hispanics Believe They'll Get Worse Care If Dementia Strikes
Black and Hispanic Americans already face higher risks for dementia than the general population. Many also believe they'd get worse dementia care compared to white patients, according to a new Alzheimer's Association special report. More...
Alzheimer's May Strike Women and Men in Different Ways
The ravages of Alzheimer's may strike later in women than men, but once it takes hold women tend to deteriorate far faster than men, according to a new study. More...
History of Mental Illness Tied to Earlier Onset of Alzheimer's Disease
People with Alzheimer's disease often have a history of depression or anxiety, which might mean an earlier emergence of memory and thinking problems, a preliminary study suggests. More...
AHA News: Black, Hispanic Families Hit Hardest by Dementia
While dementia risk in the United States has been relatively stable over the past two decades, racial disparities have remained high, according to research published last year in JAMA Neurology. More...
Why Some 'Super Ager' Folks Keep Their Minds Dementia-Free
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Too Little Sleep Could Raise Your Dementia Risk
Older adults who get little sleep each night may be at heightened risk of dementia or earlier death, a new study suggests. More...
Specialist Care for Alzheimer's Is Tough to Find for Poorer, Rural Americans
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Tony Bennett's Struggle With Alzheimer's Revealed
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COVID Vaccine Advised for Alzheimer's Patients, Their Caregivers
All Alzheimer's disease patients and their family caregivers should be vaccinated against COVID-19, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America says. More...
Aphasia Affects Brain Similar to Alzheimer's, But Without Memory Loss
A rare brain disease that causes loss of language skills doesn't lead to memory loss, a new study finds. More...
Caregivers Feeling the Strain This Tough Holiday Season
The coronavirus pandemic makes the holidays even more difficult for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, an expert says. More...
Years Before Diagnosis, People With Alzheimer's Lose Financial Acumen
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Could Dirty Air Help Speed Alzheimer's?
Older adults exposed to air pollution might have a heightened risk of abnormal "plaque" accumulation in the brain, a new study suggests. More...
Anxiety Might Speed Alzheimer's: Study
Older adults with memory problems may progress to Alzheimer's more quickly if they are also suffering from anxiety symptoms, a preliminary study suggests. More...
Pre-Op 'Brain Games' Might Prevent Post-Op Delirium
Just as you can prepare your body for surgery, you can do the same for your brain by keeping it active and challenged through something called "neurobics," according to Ohio State University researchers. More...
Does Hard Work Help Preserve the Brain?
A new study found that hard physical work not only doesn't lower the risk of dementia, it increases the risk of developing the disease. More...
Staying Active as You Age Not a Guarantee Against Dementia
Researchers found no link between middle-aged folks taking part in leisure activities and their risk of dementia over the next two decades, according to findings published online Oct. 28 in the journal Neurology. More...
Smog Tied to Raised Risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's Disease
As the air people breathe gets dirtier, their odds for serious neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and other dementias rises, new research shows. More...
Poor Brain Blood Flow Might Spur 'Tangles' of Alzheimer's
Offering fresh insight into the deep-seated roots of dementia, new research finds that diminished blood flow to the brain is tied to buildup a protein long associated with Alzheimer's disease. More...
Is Apathy an Early Sign of Dementia?
Older adults who aren't interested or enthusiastic about their usual activities may have a higher risk of developing dementia, new research suggests. More...
A-Fib Treatment Reduces Patients' Dementia Risk
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Fall Risk Rises Even in Alzheimer's Early Stages
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PTSD May Be Tied to Greater Dementia Risk
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)may significantly increase the risk of dementia later in life, according to a new study. More...
New Research Links Another Gene to Alzheimer's Risk
A genetic variant in some people may be associated with mental decline that can't be explained by deposits of two proteins linked with Alzheimer's disease, researchers say. More...
Is Rural Appalachia a Hotspot for Alzheimer's?
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Why Are Dementia Patients Getting Risky Psychiatric Drugs?
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Get Dizzy When Standing Up? It Could Be Risk Factor for Dementia
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Can Seniors Handle Results of Alzheimer's Risk Tests?
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More Education May Slow Start of Early-Onset Alzheimer's
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Under 50 and Overweight? Your Odds for Dementia Later May Rise
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9/11 First Responders Have Higher Odds for Alzheimer's: Study
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Will Your Brain Stay Sharp Into Your 90s? Certain Factors Are Key
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Many Americans With Dementia Live in Homes With Guns
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Brain's Iron Stores May Be Key to Alzheimer's
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Hormones May Explain Greater Prevalence of Alzheimer's in Women
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Middle-Age Obesity Linked to Higher Odds for Dementia
If you've been looking for a good reason to slim down, consider this: Being obese at midlife appears to increase your odds for dementia. More...
Could Crohn's, Colitis Raise Dementia Risk?
People with inflammatory bowel disease might be vulnerable to developing dementia, a new study suggests. More...
Resources
Articles
- Introduction & Causes of Cognitive Disorders
- Dementia
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Prevalence and Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
- Causes of Alzheimer's Disease Continued
- Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease
- Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
- Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease - Imaging Procedures and Psychological Evaluation
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease - Neuropsychological Testing
- Treatment of Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease
- Research and Prognosis on Alzheimer's Disease
- Other Cognitive Disorders
- Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder
- Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder Continued
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
- Reversible Cognitive Disorder - Dementia Syndrome of Depression
- Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
- Reversible Cognitive Disorder - Delirium
- Prevention of Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders
- Dementia Coping Skills & Behavior Management
- Coping Skills for Those With Dementia
- Coping Skills for Dementia Caregivers
- Services for Dementia Caregivers
- Communication Tips for Dementia Caregivers
- Behavioral Management for Dementia Caregivers
- Behavioral Management for Dementia Caregivers Continued
- Tips for Dealing with Specific Dementia Problematic Behaviors
- Tips for Dealing with Specific Dementia Problematic Behaviors Continued
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Conclusion and Resources
News
- Research Shows Links Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer's
- Assisted Living Centers Can Do More for Dementia Patients, Experts Say
- 6 Steps to Reduce Caregiver Stress
- Loneliness in Mid-Life Linked to Higher Odds for Alzheimer's
- Drug Used in Cancer Patients Might Help Treat Alzheimer's
- 'Non-Drug' Approaches Can Fight Depression in People With Dementia
- Suicide Attempts Spike Soon After Dementia Diagnosis
- Could a New Drug Help Ease Alzheimer's?
- AHA News: Dementia May Be a Risk Factor for Infection But Not Death From COVID-19
- Your Eyes May Signal Your Risk for Stroke, Dementia
- 40 more
- Even 1 Concussion May Raise Your Odds for Dementia Later
- Alzheimer's Patients Are Being Given Too Many Meds
- Many Blacks, Hispanics Believe They'll Get Worse Care If Dementia Strikes
- Alzheimer's May Strike Women and Men in Different Ways
- History of Mental Illness Tied to Earlier Onset of Alzheimer's Disease
- AHA News: Black, Hispanic Families Hit Hardest by Dementia
- Why Some 'Super Ager' Folks Keep Their Minds Dementia-Free
- Too Little Sleep Could Raise Your Dementia Risk
- Specialist Care for Alzheimer's Is Tough to Find for Poorer, Rural Americans
- Tony Bennett's Struggle With Alzheimer's Revealed
- COVID Vaccine Advised for Alzheimer's Patients, Their Caregivers
- Aphasia Affects Brain Similar to Alzheimer's, But Without Memory Loss
- Caregivers Feeling the Strain This Tough Holiday Season
- Years Before Diagnosis, People With Alzheimer's Lose Financial Acumen
- Could Dirty Air Help Speed Alzheimer's?
- Anxiety Might Speed Alzheimer's: Study
- Pre-Op 'Brain Games' Might Prevent Post-Op Delirium
- Does Hard Work Help Preserve the Brain?
- Staying Active as You Age Not a Guarantee Against Dementia
- Smog Tied to Raised Risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's Disease
- Poor Brain Blood Flow Might Spur 'Tangles' of Alzheimer's
- Is Apathy an Early Sign of Dementia?
- A-Fib Treatment Reduces Patients' Dementia Risk
- Fall Risk Rises Even in Alzheimer's Early Stages
- PTSD May Be Tied to Greater Dementia Risk
- New Research Links Another Gene to Alzheimer's Risk
- Is Rural Appalachia a Hotspot for Alzheimer's?
- Why Are Dementia Patients Getting Risky Psychiatric Drugs?
- Get Dizzy When Standing Up? It Could Be Risk Factor for Dementia
- Can Seniors Handle Results of Alzheimer's Risk Tests?
- More Education May Slow Start of Early-Onset Alzheimer's
- Under 50 and Overweight? Your Odds for Dementia Later May Rise
- 9/11 First Responders Have Higher Odds for Alzheimer's: Study
- Could the Flu Shot Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer's?
- Will Your Brain Stay Sharp Into Your 90s? Certain Factors Are Key
- Many Americans With Dementia Live in Homes With Guns
- Brain's Iron Stores May Be Key to Alzheimer's
- Hormones May Explain Greater Prevalence of Alzheimer's in Women
- Middle-Age Obesity Linked to Higher Odds for Dementia
- Could Crohn's, Colitis Raise Dementia Risk?
Questions and Answers
Book & Media Reviews
- Alive with Alzheimer's
- Alzheimer's
- Days With My Father
- Decision Making, Personhood and Dementia
- Dementia
- Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories
- Hearing the Person With Dementia
- How We Think About Dementia
- Inside Assisted Living
- Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease
- 16 more
- Mom's OK, She Just Forgets
- My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia
- Nothing about us, without us!
- Remembering Home
- Rights, Risk and Restraint-Free Care of Older People
- Speaking Our Minds: Revised Edition
- Still Alice
- Telling Tales About Dementia
- The Almost Moon
- The Emotional Journey of the Alzheimer's Family
- The Enduring Self in People with Alzheimer's
- The Story of My Father
- Voices Of Alzheimer's
- When It Gets Dark
- When Someone You Know Is Living in a Dementia Care Community
- Wrinkles
Links
Videos
- Overview of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
- Common Challenges: Driving
- Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Diagnosis and Management of Vascular Dementia
- Helping Loved Ones with Memory Loss
- Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleep Patterns
- Developments to Alzheimer’s Research
- Why Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Matters
- Looking Beyond Alzheimer’s Disease: An Overview of Other Major Forms of Neurodegenerative Disease
- 46 more
- New Definition of Alzheimer’s Changes How Disease Is Researched
- Lewy Body Dementia: Most Common Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of
- Living With Traumatic Brain Injury
- Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
- Seeing Alzheimer's in a New Way
- Inside Alzheimer’s disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
- Alzheimer's Screening
- Neurology: Testing for Alzheimer's
- Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Depression/Apathy
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Agitation and Anxiety
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Aggressive Language/Behavior
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Sleep Disturbances
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Repetitive Phone Calls
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training: Home Safety
- Best Practices & Emerging Therapies for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
- New Approaches to Alzheimer’s Diseases
- Recognizing the Early Signs of Dementia
- Effective Treatments and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: The Time is Now - Research on Aging
- Dementia – it affects us all
- Falls Prevention in People with Dementia
- Caregiver Training Part I: Introduction
- Caregiver Training Part II: Hallucinations
- Caregiver Training Part III: Refusal to Bathe
- Caregiver Training Part IV: Refusal to Take Medication
- Caregiver Training Part V: Repetitive Behaviors
- Caregiver Training Part VI: Repetitive Questions
- Caregiver Training Part VII: Sundowning
- Caregiver Training Part VIII: Wandering
- The Benefits of Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
- A New Way To Look At Alzheimer's
- The Healing Power of Music
- Falls Prevention in People with Dementia
- Falls Prevention in People with Dementia
- Protecting & Caring for Patients with Dementia
- Dementia 101 in 101 Seconds
- Normal and Abnormal Aging and the Brain
- Managing The Late Stages of Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
- Aggressive Behavior in People with Dementia
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies
- Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
- Signs of Alzheimer’s
- Practical Tips for Travelling with a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease
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