A cognitive disorder means abnormal functioning of the brain, and more specifically its functions. These disorders are therefore found in many neuropathologies or psychiatric diseases, as well as with the natural aging of the body.

Cognitive impairment is one of the most complex ailments, yet one of the most common. It is indeed a impairment of one or more cognitive functions of an individual, that is to say a loss of capacity related to his intelligence, his ability to speak, solve problems, move or remember, in other words, the perception of his environment.

Cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases

Cognitive impairment is one of the neurodegenerative diseases, such as those of Parkinson or in Alzheimer, two disorders currently impossible to treat and whose affected patients see their brain capacity decrease over time.

Note that some ailments are wrongly described as cognitive disorders. So, if you experience feelings of anxiety, psychosis or depression, it will not necessarily be related to a cognitive disorder, but rather to the vagaries of life.

Each cognitive disorder will have different means of action, but all will follow a slow degeneration of the patient’s capacities.

Here is an example of progression related to the development of Alzheimer’s in a patient.

Benign stage

A dementia can start off quite benign, which is what makes it so difficult to detect. Thus in the case of Alzheimer’s, the benign stage is characterized by memory impairment, attention. For example, forgetting common names, or where you left your keys.

Be careful of course not to be frightened, the benign stage of a cognitive disorder resembles the life of many of us! What matters is if there is deterioration, as if someone famous for their memory starts showing signs ofamnesia.

Mild cognitive impairment

The next stage presents the same symptoms as the mild one, but are more pronounced. It is usually at this stage that family and loved ones notice the deterioration. The patient, on the other hand, risks remaining in the denial and minimize his cognitive impairment.

Moderate cognitive impairment

The disorders extend to more tasks, such as daily activities or simple calculations, as well as short term memory (impossible to remember what we did the week or even the day before). Mood disturbances are also possible, with nervousness or sadness for no reason.

Moderately severe deficit

From this stage, the person becomes progressively more dependent on his social environment. With difficulty in working, moving around (driving a car, for example, will be prohibited), or maintaining one’s self (washing, taking care of one’s health). The person has a harder time finding their way around their surroundings, and older personal memories begin to fade.

Severe cognitive impairment

Addiction increases, and so does memory loss. The patient will have difficulty remembering their own name, will need help with feeding, dressing and bathing. With a high risk of running away, and of violence if the denial remains and the measures taken by those around them seem unfair.

Very severe cognitive impairment

Ultimate stage of cognitive impairment, here in the example of Alzheimer’s, with the almost total loss of cognitive abilities. The person will then no longer be able to express themselves or control their actions, nor to go to the toilet or wash themselves. The final stage of the disorder can be fatal, if “survival” information such as breathing or heartbeat is reached in the brain.

Cognitive disorders can have different causes, related to the patient’s environment or his genetic background.

• Overdose of drugs;
• Malnutrition ;
• Alcoholism;
• Neurological (epilepsy or even cerebrovascular accident);
• Brain tumors;
• Psychiatric illnesses;
• Head trauma.

The diagnosis of cognitive impairment is made by your doctor, psychiatrist or neurologist. With the help of examinations of the patient’s brain and abilities, they are best able to judge the severity of the disorder, and ensure regular follow-up.

While some cognitive disorders can be treated, others are still degenerative in nature, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. In this case, the only hope of the patients is to SLOW DOWN progression of disorders with the help of daily exercise and medication.