Causes of Cognitive Disorders
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People with cognitive disorders experience problems with memory and thinking ability.
Primary among these cognition issues is Dementia – a disorder which affects the older population most. As we are all living longer, we have found that dementia rates double every 5 years over the age of 65.
Chart courtesy of The Canadian Study of Health and Aging Working Group (CSHA)
Dementia
Dementia is a general term used to describe a significant decline in mental ability that is serious enough to interfere with an individual’s normal daily activities and goes beyond what is considered normal in the aging process. It encompasses a range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, language, and other thinking skills. This decline is not just a natural part of getting older but indicates underlying issues that require medical attention. Importantly, dementia itself is not a disease but rather a symptom of various other medical conditions.
For example, it can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia and involves the gradual destruction of brain cells leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Another example is vascular dementia, which results from conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of vital oxygen and nutrients. Dementia can also occur as a result of a unique global brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury from an accident, which affects multiple cognitive functions.
Most of the time, dementia is progressive, meaning that the symptoms start out slowly and gradually worsen over time. This progression results in a long-term decline in cognitive abilities, affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. Early diagnosis and intervention can sometimes slow the progression and improve the quality of life for those affected. Treatments may focus on managing symptoms, addressing underlying causes, and providing support to patients and their families. Understanding that dementia is a symptom rather than a disease highlights the importance of medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment plan.
External Resource: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, Inc.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), also known as incipient dementia or isolated memory impairment, is the transitional stage between the memory loss involved with normal aging and the more pronounced decline seen in dementia. MCI is characterized by noticeable changes in cognitive abilities—such as memory, language, thinking, and judgment—that are greater than what is typically expected from normal age-related changes. These cognitive deficits reflect a decline in cognition that can affect various aspects of mental function, including attention, executive function, and problem-solving skills.
A person with MCI may be aware that their memory or mental functions have “slipped,” experiencing difficulties in tasks that were previously manageable. For instance, they might have trouble recalling recent events, finding the right words during conversations, or making decisions that require complex thinking. Family members and close friends may also notice these changes, observing that the individual is having more frequent lapses in memory or struggles with tasks that involve cognitive effort. Despite these challenges, these cognitive changes aren’t severe enough to interfere significantly with day-to-day life and usual activities, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and perform routine tasks.
The exact cause of MCI remains unknown, but it is believed to result from underlying changes in the brain that affect cognition. These changes may include the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Other factors that might contribute to MCI include vascular issues affecting blood flow to the brain, hormonal imbalances, or the side effects of certain medications. Research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms behind MCI and to identify potential interventions that could slow its progression or improve cognitive function.
Recognizing and addressing mild cognitive impairment is important because it can be a precursor to more serious cognitive decline. Early detection allows for monitoring over time and provides an opportunity for interventions that may enhance cognition and quality of life. This may include cognitive training exercises, lifestyle modifications such as increased physical activity and social engagement, and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Consulting healthcare professionals can help individuals with MCI develop personalized strategies to support their cognitive health.
Post-Concussive Syndrome
Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS): a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or even a year after a concussion. Headaches and dizziness are common complaints, although irritability and difficulty concentrating are also noted. Most PCS symptoms resolve after a period of time.
Syncope
Syncope: also known as fainting or passing out, is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness and posture caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. It may be preceded by dizziness, nausea, weakness, sweating, palpitations, and a temporary loss of hearing, vision, or feeling.