WHAT ARE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING ISSUES?

Cognitive functioning issues can affect anyone.

A person may find that their ability to perceive and learn are not performing as they would expect, they may be disorganised, indecisive and lack concentration. Perhaps their memory, attentiveness, communication, speech, judgement or reasoning is not gathering or understanding information. Issues that affect gathering information impact the ability to gain knowledge. A person may not be able to perform regular tasks, recognise objects or people.

All of these symptoms may relate to a category of mental health disorder known as cognitive functioning issues. It is not a disease, it is a condition. It can be difficult to interact with someone with cognitive functioning issues, or to understand them. Cognitive functioning issues can affect your work, interactions socially and intimately and your personal well-being. Fortunately, help is available.

Cognitive functioning issues are conditions, not illnesses. The term refers to people with difficulties in communication, perception and learning. This impacts a person’s ability to gather information and, thus, knowledge.

Some challenges faced by people with cognitive functioning issues include:

  • Memory
  • Attentiveness
  • Speech, and understanding language
  • Judgement
  • Reasoning
  • Thinking
  • Performing regular tasks
  • Recognising people, places and objects
  • Being easily overwhelmed

The effect of cognitive functioning issues can vary from mild to severe.

Cognitive functioning issues can be progressive into serious medical conditions. Three forms in this category are Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Delirium and Dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) causes a mild but noticeable and measurable decline in cognitive function. Changes include poor memory, disorganised behaviour and ineffective thinking skills. In severe cases, it can progress to various forms of Dementia (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease).

Delirium is a type of cognitive functioning issue and is often a sign of serious medical problems. Delirium is an acute disorder affecting consciousness, attention and cognition. It tends to fluctuate from day to day. Delirium is common in hospitals although it is often not detected or is misdiagnosed. Delirium can be treated if diagnosed early and even prevented with the right care.

Dementia is another type of cognitive functioning issue. Dementia affects memory, judgement, language and can make simple tasks difficult. Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be the most common form of Dementia, and it is a disorder related to age but can affect people younger people as well. This is known as younger onset dementia.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Family and friends may detect this condition by noticing changes in behaviour. Professional assessment involves determining memory, understanding and concentration levels by questions and discussion.

Some signs of cognitive functioning issues in a person include:

  • Confusion, including identity confusion
  • Agitated state, perhaps aggression
  • Moodiness
  • Forgetfulness
  • Poor motor co-ordination
  • Changes in speech behaviour
  • Difficultly completing daily tasks

HOW COMMON IS THIS CONDITION?

Cognitive functioning issues are wide ranging and vary significantly in severity. The common forms are very prevalent in the population, although there also are rare forms.

Many of the more severe cognitive functioning issues relate to ageing and, thus, are not common in people younger than sixty.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

There are a wide range of causes of cognitive functioning issues.

Reversible, or short-term, cognitive functioning issues may be caused by:

  • Infection (e.g. pneumonia)
  • Dehydration
  • Reaction to medication
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Substance abuse

Permanent, or long-term, cognitive functioning issues may include:

  • Dementia
  • Stroke
  • Intellectual disability
  • Brain injury

HELP FOR COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING ISSUES

At Brain Training Australia™ we use Neurofeedback Brain Training to support those suffering from cognitive related issues.

Next Steps

Your first step is to get in contact with us.

All new clients receive a free, complementary and no obligation 15-minute face-to-face Complementary Assessment with a dedicated member of our team. If you’re on the fence, wondering if Neurofeedback Brain Training is right for you, then this is a really good place to start.

If you are ready to get started then you can just book in your First Appointment and get started straight away.

The team at Brain Training Australia™ recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes.

We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.