Cognitive impairment is a health condition that affects an individual’s memory. People with this condition find it hard to pay attention, understanding, and speaking. Furthermore, they can have a problem recognizing people, things, and places. If they find new places or situations, they can be overwhelmed.
Cognitive impairment can be present at birth or occurs at any point in a person’s life. People with this health condition always seem agitated, moody, or confused. You might notice a change in their behavior or having difficulty doing their usual tasks.
When this impairment develops in childhood, it can be caused by malnutrition, side effects of cancer therapy, slow development of communication skills, metal poisoning, and metabolic conditions.
Cognitive impairment can be mild or severe.
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Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment
With age, the body and the brain change every day. Most individuals notice increased forgetfulness as they grow older. They take some time to think of a word or recall someone’s name. If you have consistent concerns about your mental performance, this might be mild cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment may go beyond expectations and you may have mild cognitive impairment if you notice the following:
- Forgetting things more often
- Showing an increase in poor judgment
- Forgetting important appointments or social engagements
- Losing track in a conversation, movies, or books
- Feeling overwhelmed when planning to accomplish things or understanding instructions
- Being overwhelmed when you find new environments and things
If you have a mild cognitive impairment, you may experience serious symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Aggression and irritability
- Depression
What are the Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment?
There are many risk factors for cognitive impairment including:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Age
- High cholesterol levels
- Low education level
- Lack of physical activity
- Not associating in socially and mentally stimulating activities
- High blood Pressure.
Causes of Cognitive Impairment
Causes of cognitive impairment are either short-term or long-term. Some of the short-term causes include:
- Dehydration
- Vitamin deficiency
- Infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection
- Reaction to medications
Some permanent or long-term causes include:
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Brain injury
- Alcohol abuse
- Traumatic head injury
- Kidney failure.
How to Diagnose Cognitive Impairment
For your healthcare provider to know whether you have a cognitive impairment, they might ask you questions to test your concentration, memory, and understanding of things.
Still, they might ask about family or careers that might have affected your behavior over time. Additional questions may be asked, examination, and do some tests to know the real cause.
Prevention
Preventing cognitive impairment is possible. There are some crucial steps that you can take to prevent this condition before it gets serious. Some of the important measures you can take include:
- Reduce the risk of head injury
- Limit air pollution exposure
- Avoid smoking and tobacco
- Keep your blood pressure levels well checked
- Avoid being obese or depressed
- Practice good and healthy sleeping habits
- Eat a diet rich in nutrients and minerals
- Engage in social activities to keep your brain active
- Stimulate your brains with games, questions, and puzzles.
Overview
Cognitive impairment is a condition that can be avoided or controlled. It can affect both kids and adults, depending on the risk factors and causes. In our article above, we hope we have provided you with enough information that will help you avoid or control this condition.
