Cognitive disorders affect mental processes such as the ability to learn, remember, perceive and solve problems. At it’s basic level the cognitive function is information processing and can be split into three categories; Delirium, Dementia and Amnesia.
Statistically the older the patient is, the more likely they will develop a cognitive disorder falling into one of these categories. Most people will be aware of Alzheimers disease, as it affects around 4 million people in the USA alone. Alzheimers is a dementia cognitive disorder.
Cognitive Disorder Types
Although cognitive disorders are associated with the ageing process and will manifest usually at an age of over 80, mild cognitive disorder (MCI) can occur in younger patients. When individuals display cognitive disorder symptoms that do not impair their cognitive abilities significantly, and this occurs at an age not normally associated with cognitive disorders, they may be diagnosed with mild cognitive disorder.
Clinical trials required to confirm if MCI is correctly diagnosed will confirm evidence of memory impairment while other cognitive functions respond as normal. While there is no treatment for MCI, a link with an increased chance of Alzheimer’s disease developing later in life can prompt pre-emptive measures for alzhiemers in MCI patients.
Delirium
Delirium is a cognitive processing disorder that will manifest itself as a difficulty in processing new information, or a difficulty with situational awareness. Delirium can be broken down into two separate diagnosis.
Firstly, Hypoactive delirium can be seen in patients who exhibit a lack of energy and who are generally unresponsive. Secondly, Hyperactive Delirium symptoms include aggressive behaviour and hostility.
It is possible for one patient to display signs of both types of delirium throughout the course of the cognitive disorder, and this is known as Mixed Delirium. There is no known cause for delirium although some research indicates the it can be triggered by stress, alcohol or medication. Delirium is usually a temporary cognitive disorder, however in severe cases it can develop into a case of dementia.
Dementia
Patients with partial or total memory loss and with additional difficulty in learning new information are displaying symptoms of Dementia, an incurable cognitive disorder. Although dementia can occur at any age, it is most prevalent in the elderly.
Dementia is a genetic disorder that can also be triggered by severe trauma such as a stroke, heart valve issues and brain trauma. Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia and affects almost 10% of the elderly over 85 years of age regardless of sex.
Amnestic Disorder
Amnestic Disorder is a cognitive disorder that will result in a difficulty with information retention, particularly long term memory.
There are several different types of amnesia that will affect the memory function in different ways. Usually people with an amnestic disorder will recall their own personal history and identity, but have difficulty with other aspects of the memory function. Retrograde Amnesia will result in a difficulty with recalling events and information from before the onset of the disorder.
Anterograde amnesia describes a condition where it is difficult for the patient to learn new information or recall new memories. Amnesia is linked to head trauma and long term drug use.
When a cognitive disorder is likely to be the result of a direct physiological effect of a general medical condition that does not fall cleanly into one of the three categories above, it is referred to as a Cognitive Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). These cases in particular can prove quite challenging for both carers and physicians when trying to find a solution to this type of cognitive disorder.
Alternative Treatment for Cognitive Disorders
If you’re looking for a natural method for helping to improve brain function and significantly improve the symptoms of any cognitive disorder, we highly recommend getting on a nutritional supplement such as Nutra Mind as quickly as possible. Especially if you’re in the beginning stages of any type of these disorders.
Four to five million Americans are diagnosed with some cognitive deficit each year. Some are considered normal and non-progressive, while others are deemed chronic and irreversible. Because of these staggering statistics, Nutra Mind is formulated to include a more comprehensive blend of cognitive-sustaining supplements.
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