Cognition and Cognitive Disorders

Cognition refers to our brain functions such as thinking, learning, reasoning, remembering, concentrating, making decisions, and completing tasks. Cognitive health, on the other hand, is a broader concept that includes the maintenance and improvement of these cognitive functions. Important to note here, the cognition is not just memory; the memory is just one of the many cognitive functions. These functions are crucial for daily activities, problem-solving, and maintaining a good quality of life.

Cognitive health is vital throughout the lifespan, not just in older age. It enables us to:

• Live independently

• Perform everyday tasks

• Engage with the world around them

• Maintain overall well-being

Our cognition can be affected by various factors, including:

• Getting older

• Medical conditions (e.g., mild cognitive impairment, dementia)

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Sleep deprivation

• Medications

• Chronic stress

Cognitive impairment can occur at any age and may be caused by many factors as described above. Early detection of cognitive changes is crucial because:

• Some impairments are reversible with timely intervention.

• It allows for lifestyle adaptations to support cognitive function.

• It enables better planning for potential progressive changes

To support our cognitive health, we must:

• Engage in regular physical exercise

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Get adequate sleep

• Manage stress

• Stay socially active

• Engage in mentally stimulating activities

Interestingly, many of these activities also contribute to overall physical health.

Cognitive disorders, also known as neurocognitive disorders, happen when these cognitive functions start to break down. The most common issue is with memory, and that’s where conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia come in. These disorders can make it tough to remember things, think clearly, or manage daily tasks like cooking or paying bills.

Doctors split these disorders into two categories based on how severe they are:

• Minor Neurocognitive Disorder: This is the milder version. You might forget a name here and there or lose your keys more often, but you can still handle most of your day-to-day life. It’s like little hiccups in the brain’s usual routine. An another name for this is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
• Major Neurocognitive Disorder: This is the more serious version. It can make everyday activities—like getting dressed or handling money—really hard without help. Advanced Alzheimer’s is a classic example of this. Major Neurocognitive Disorder is just another name for DEMENTIA.

So, "minor" means less severe (mild symptoms), and "major" means more severe (big challenges). Pretty straightforward once you see it that way!