When it comes to cognitive problems, they can really stay hidden for quite a while. The first signs are usually subtle, but then they escalate. Once that happens they can become really big quickly. It can seriously change a person’s quality of life. This is why it can be essential to know about cognitive problems and their symptoms so you can see if it is happening.
Cognitive disorders center around the brain processing and remembering information and how good it is at that. Many causes could cause cognitive disorders. This can include a head injury or even aging. Though it can also happen through substance abuse and more.
Problems with short term memory and learning new information are hallmarks of cognitive issues, though we will get more into that as we go on.
There are quite a few different types of cognitive disorders out there. We’re going to go over the main types and then some sub-categories that follow or are related to them in a little mini-guide.
Delirium. A disturbance in your brain awareness that can cause you to jump between reality or mental states.
Dementia. When brain function diminishes over time, and it causes issues with memory and other cognitive problems
Amnestic Disorders. An impairment of memory that might not be noticeable at first because it doesn’t have any other cognitive problems to go with it.
Other Cognitive Disorders. Mild cognitive disorder and unspecified cognitive disorder are two other types of cognitive disorders. They are there for when the symptoms aren’t strong or easily defined or even if more symptoms make it hard to label.
Of course, signs and symptoms of cognitive disorders are different depending on the disease. But some similar symptoms can be noticed to help people realize there might be a problem at all. These symptoms are called overlapping symptoms and can include:
These symptoms can be stronger depending on the disorder and over time as well. As an example, Alzheimer’s usually starts as a sort of casual forgetfulness that might not seem too serious.
They may have trouble recalling daily activities or people, and it can seem like normal memory issues for the elderly. As the disease gets worse of course then so do these symptoms until the memory is awful and life is lived in a confused bubble because they don’t remember anything.
If left untreated many of these conditions can get worse. There can be a danger because of this if someone cannot remember who they are or where they live. They might need constant supervision in a day to day life.
Treatment can involve both therapy and medications; it just depends on the cognitive disorder. Effectiveness overall is still debated because there is no cure for many.