Cognitive impairment refers to a condition where a person experiences difficulties with cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, leading to cognitive decline and impairment. It is often associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) refers to cognitive decline caused by cerebrovascular disease, such as strokes or small vessel disease. It can affect various cognitive domains depending on the location and severity of the vascular damage.
Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. People with MCI have noticeable cognitive decline but can still perform everyday activities. It may or may not progress to dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of disorders characterized by progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It often presents with changes in personality, behavior, and language difficulties.
Lewy body dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. It can cause fluctuating cognitive impairment, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help individuals plan, organize, strategize, focus attention, remember details, and manage time. Impairment in executive function can affect problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive function, including memory, attention, language, and executive function. It helps diagnose cognitive impairment and plan appropriate interventions.
Cognitive rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving or compensating for cognitive deficits through structured training, exercises, and strategies. It can help individuals with cognitive impairment regain lost skills and enhance their quality of life.
Caregiver burnout refers to the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by individuals caring for loved ones with cognitive impairment or dementia. It can result from the demands of caregiving responsibilities and the stress of witnessing a loved one’s decline.
Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers by offering professional assistance in caring for individuals with cognitive impairment. It allows caregivers to take a break, attend to their own needs, and prevent burnout.
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes due to cognitive impairment or other reasons.
Person-centered care emphasizes understanding the individual’s preferences, needs, and values in providing care and support for cognitive impairment. It respects the person’s autonomy, dignity, and quality of life preferences.