Cognitive Disorders

What are cognitive disorders?

They are organic mental disorders and are either temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by neuralgic diseases, general medical conditions, or chemicals. The illnesses commonly diagnosed as cognitive disorders are delirium (deterioration of the intellectual function) and dementia (the deterioration of intellectual ability, forgetfulness, and severe memory impairment).

What to look for…

Delirium produces a temporary state of mental confusion and clouded perceptions that can result from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. Anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, trembling, and incoherent speech can all characterize delirium.

Chronic dementia, such as that found in Alzheimer’s patients, is the result of deterioration of intellectual function, concentration, and judgment caused by an organic disease or a disorder of the brain. This is a progressive and chronic illness that always includes two symptoms: loss of cognitive function and memory impairment. This serious mental disorder impairs a person’s capacity to function normally and safely and is often accompanied by emotional problems and personality changes.

What can you do?

A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is required for diagnosis. Delirium usually requires short-term medication and close supervision. People with dementia need medication and a highly structured environment. As the illness progresses, they need increased structure in their lives. For instances at the onset of the illness, many Alzheimer’s patients may be able to live at home with family and require visits from a home health nurse or participation in a day treatment program. As time passes, they may reach a point where round-the-clock care from a nursing home or similar facility is required.

What are cognitive disorders?

They are organic mental disorders and are either temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by neuralgic diseases, general medical conditions, or chemicals. The illnesses commonly diagnosed as cognitive disorders are delirium (deterioration of the intellectual function) and dementia (the deterioration of intellectual ability, forgetfulness, and severe memory impairment).

What to look for…

Delirium produces a temporary state of mental confusion and clouded perceptions that can result from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. Anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, trembling, and incoherent speech can all characterize delirium.

Chronic dementia, such as that found in Alzheimer’s patients, is the result of deterioration of intellectual function, concentration, and judgment caused by an organic disease or a disorder of the brain. This is a progressive and chronic illness that always includes two symptoms: loss of cognitive function and memory impairment. This serious mental disorder impairs a person’s capacity to function normally and safely and is often accompanied by emotional problems and personality changes. 

What can you do?

A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is required for diagnosis. Delirium usually requires short-term medication and close supervision. People with dementia need medication and a highly structured environment. As the illness progresses, they need increased structure in their lives. For instances at the onset of the illness, many Alzheimer’s patients may be able to live at home with family and require visits from a home health nurse or participation in a day treatment program. As time passes, they may reach a point where round-the-clock care from a nursing home or similar facility is required.