Cognitive impairment occurs when there is a problem with perceiving, thinking, or remembering. Strokes are a common cause of cognitive impairment; other causes include head injuries and some chronic diseases, such as sickle cell disease or multiple sclerosis.
Cognitive impairment may cause difficulties with:
- Memory, especially short-term memory.
- Problem solving.
- Attention span, especially in a mental task such as a math calculation.
- Expressing oneself, such as finding the right words to use in a conversation.
Treatment for cognitive impairment depends on the cause.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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