Cognitive Related Changes
Cognition refers to the ability to process, retain, and organize information. Cognition is a higher-level function of the brain. Declines in cognition may impede social and/or professional performance. Changes to cognition may be caused by stroke, traumatic head injury, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and metabolic disease, amongst other complications.
Read more on cognition and cognitive changes below.
Cognition
Cognition is at the root of:
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Learning and recalling information
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Language (especially word recall)
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Attention (focusing or shifting)
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Calculations
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Communicating learned information to others
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Planning & problem solving
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Decision making
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Organization
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Spatial awareness and perception of environment
Information www.nationalmssociety.org/
Stroke
Caused by blood flow not reaching a section of the brain and resultant brain tissue being damaged. This can result in cognitive changes dependent on the location of the stroke.
Information from www.stroke.org/en/
Cancer
Both cancer and some forms of necessary treatment can lead to cognitive impairment. Sometimes referred to as "chemo brain" or "brain fog," these impairments are often not permanent, but can still impede daily activities.
Information from www.cancer.org
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders entail abnormal chemical levels, such as hormone imbalances or exposure to dangerous materials. These abnormal levels can impact brain functioning and health, leading to cognitive impairment.
Information from www.mountsinai.org
Signs of Change
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Difficulty thinking or slowness of thoughts
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Trouble making decisions
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Loss of language
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Difficulty focusing or attending to conversation
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Trouble remembering how to perform everyday tasks
Information www.nationalmssociety.org/
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Cognition is impacted by lesions (wounds) and atrophy (loss of cells/reduction in critical connections) of the brain. Cognitive changes in MS most commonly include attention and executive functioning. Dependent on lesion locations, a wide range of physical and cognitive changes can occur.
Information from www.nationalmssociety.org/
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Usually caused by a violent blow, jolt, or wound to the head or body such as following a fall or major car crash. Brain cells are damaged, and there may be lesions (wounds). Less severe injury may have only temporary impairment on cognition, but more severe cases can have lasting impacts on brain function.
Information from www.mayoclinic.org/
