What is cognitive disorder?
The concept of cognitive disorder encompasses alterations in one or more of the cognitive functions for processing and remembering information, including the areas of perception, attention, language or memory. Among the most frequent cognitive alterations are delirium, amnesia, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. In addition, some acquired impairments and disorders also cause cognitive disorders (such as stroke or head injury). Cognitive developmental disorders affecting the area of language or attention, such as Attention Hyperactivity Disorder, are also common among children.
Symptoms of cognitive disorder
These disorders usually begin to manifest with difficulties in attention, concentration and orientation. As the disorder progresses, there is also a destructuring of thinking and perception. Other frequent syndromes of these pathologies are difficulty in walking and maintaining balance, drowsiness, tiredness, personality changes and inability to remember things.
What are the causes of cognitive impairment?
Old age is the main cause of cognitive disorders, but the way in which one reaches old age is what determines whether or not one will suffer from this disorder. Alterations in social relationships condition the onset of this disorder, since isolation leads to laziness and memory loss. Psychological changes also influence cognitive disorders, since suffering stress or depression wears out neurons and leads to memory loss.
Can it be prevented?
In order to prevent cognitive disorders, it is important to perform exercises aimed at maintaining the activity of cognitive functions. These activities are usually daily activities, such as reading the newspaper, keeping accounts or doing crossword puzzles. It is also important to maintain relationships with family and friends, as well as watching the news and knowing what is going on around you.
What is the treatment?
It is important to make an early diagnosis of these pathologies, in order to start the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible and avoid further deterioration. The treatment applied is cognitive stimulation, following a healthy diet and frequent physical exercise.