Cognitive Impairment

A cognitive impairment means there is a change in how a person thinks, reacts to emotions, or behaves.

What is going on in the body?

A person can be born with a cognitive impairment. In this case, it is usually termed mental retardation. It may result from a birth injury, such as a lack of oxygen. It may also result from a defect as the baby was formed. A cognitive impairment also may occur later in life, following an injury or as part of a disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A cognitive impairment interferes with the body's normal function. The change may be minor and have little or no impact on a person's daily functioning. In other cases, the impairment may be obvious. A cognitive impairment can range from mild memory problems to exaggerated emotional reactions. It can also entail the complete inability to think independently.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

A cognitive impairment may be present when a child is born, which is known as mental retardation. It may also be the result of: * abuse of prescription medicines, chemicals, street drugs, or alcohol * a disease, such as Alzheimer disease * a side effect of some medicines * a trauma such as head injury

Frail, elderly people who are removed from a familiar setting often develop cognitive problems. This may occur when they go to a hospital because of illness or when they are moved to a nursing home. Depending on the cause, cognitive impairments may be temporary or permanent.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Cognitive impairment can occur at any age and cannot always be prevented. However, the following measures may be helpful: * avoiding illegal drugs * drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all * following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults * obtaining prenatal care during pregnancy * using medicines only as directed

How is the condition diagnosed?

In some cases, mental retardation can be diagnosed at birth. An infant with Down syndrome, for example, is often identified by characteristic features. The diagnosis is confirmed with a chromosome analysis.

Other tests used to diagnose cognitive impairments include: * cognitive testing, which provides information about the individual's memory and thinking skills * cranial CT scan * cranial MRI * spinal tap

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

A person with cognitive impairment can often live a nearly normal life. He or she can learn ways to deal with disability and take part in many activities. He or she may become so good at this that others may not notice the impairment. Even if the impairment is severe, rehabilitation therapy can help many people learn to function independently.

What are the risks to others?

Cognitive impairments are not contagious and pose no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

After a cognitive impairment has occurred, there may be ways to improve the problem. If the cause is known, it can sometimes be eliminated. In this case, the symptoms may