Simply speaking, there are three components to cognition: the ability to think, process and store information (memory), and the ability to solve problems. As we age, our bodies definitely slow down, and some come to the conclusion that our brains naturally slow down as well. But this is far from the case. Whenever problems arise with the three components of cognition, there is more at work than aging.
In most cases cognitive disorders are to blame.
There are three types of cognitive disorders. They are delirium, dementia and amnesia.
Delirium - This cognitive disorder has many symptoms, including
quick changes in mental states, confusion, not knowing where or who you
are, not recognizing changes around you, and thinking that is
cluttered. Delirium can also cause changes in consciousness among
several other cognitive symptoms.
Dementia - A person with this disorder will normally have long or
short term memory loss. They may misplace items, they may forget where
they are, or even forget their name. The patient could have trouble
while driving, forgetting where they are or where they are trying to
go. The patient may not be able to think abstractly.
Amnesia – This disorder occurs when there is a loss of memory but no other cognitive symptoms are present.
Cognitive disorders can be caused by a wide variety of medical
conditions. For instance: dementia of often caused by Alzheimer’s
disease. These disorders can also be brought about by substance abuse
such as alcoholism.
Treatments for cognitive disorders vary according to the cause of the
disorder. In some cases, these disorders can be completely reversed by
addressing the underlying medical condition. Sadly, in other cases,
there is no cure for the underlying medical condition and patients sink
further into a world and life heavily hindered by their disorder.
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