Cognitive impairments
Cognitive impairments
The cognitive or mental functions of the brain are among the highest functions that enable a person to be called a ‘rational person’. This kind of functionality consists of a number of abilities: perception of existence, thinking, spatial orientation, attention, memory, spoken language, learning, computing, analysis, and reasoning.
The first signs of cognitive impairment are a decrease in concentration and memory. With the progression of this condition, there are usually signs indicating mild cognitive impairment, but over time, the risk of developing dementia or, in scientific terms, dementia increases significantly.
The factors that contribute to the decline in the abilities described above are divided into two types: external and internal.
The first ones are passive lifestyle, constant stress, excessive physical activity, unhealthy diet
The second is impaired blood circulation, lack of oxygen and nutrients in brain cells, and an excess of free radicals that cause damage to brain tissue at the cellular level.
From reduced concentration to dementia
Impaired concentration usually occurs in people who are perfectly healthy and active. Due to overwork at work and at home, having too many daily responsibilities, worries, and big plans, a person cannot focus on one task. This leads to problems with concentration. In addition, problems of this kind often arise during constant mental stress. They usually go away quickly and are not considered to be signs of mental (cognitive) illness.
Memory impairment (age-related forgetfulness)
This is a memory disorder that is part of the aging process. With age, brain structures undergo changes. Cerebral circulation deteriorates, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of this organ. In addition, the brain is exposed to the harmful effects of free radicals, which lead to the degradation of its cells. (It is extremely important to monitor your own diet). The consequences of these changes will be mild memory disorders, manifested mainly through increased forgetfulness. However, it is worth noting here that this condition cannot be called serious or requiring medical intervention, especially if the person is still able to perform normal daily routine activities (2).
But memory loss can be caused not only by age-related processes. Very often, circulatory disorders of the cervical-collar zone, which develop as a result of hypertension of the cervical muscles, eventually lead to the development of degenerative and dystrophic processes of the cervical spine (osteochondrosis, spondylosis, unco-vertebral arthrosis, pain, numbness of the hands, etc.), reflex spasm of the vertebral arteries and cerebral circulation disorders (vertebrobasilar system). This, in turn, leads to headaches, hypertension, tachycardia, visual artefacts (sparks, flies, etc.), tinnitus, panic attacks, memory loss, spatial orientation, and other cognitive impairments.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a condition in which there is a decrease in blood supply in the system of arteries: basilar and vertebral. As a result of this condition, the nutrition and functionality of the brain are disrupted, and irreversible morphological changes in the brain substance occur.
According to statistics, people with vertebrobasilar insufficiency are most often prone to strokes (about 25-30%) and temporary cerebrovascular disorders (65-70%) (3).
Mild cognitive impairment
They are the first signs of the disease. A person realises that his or her memory is deteriorating, and it becomes noticeable not only to him or her, but also to relatives, friends, and others. Although the condition still does not have a significant impact on everyday life, it still indicates the development of a more serious form of cognitive impairment.
Dementia (dementia)
Dementia is a condition characterised by the deterioration of at least two higher brain functions, consciousness and memory. The second is considered the most important. But memory impairment alone is not enough to diagnose dementia. This condition must be accompanied by at least one other manifestation that indicates brain dysfunction, such as impaired spatial orientation, spoken language, judgement, and understanding.(2)
Dementia is one of the main factors that directly affect the quality of life of an older person. It leads to very severe disabilities: it becomes impossible for a person to live independently, manage their daily life, take care of themselves, and be physically active. That is why dementia is considered one of the most difficult diseases, causing maximum discomfort not only to the patient, but also to his or her environment (relatives, friends, and family).
Literature sources
- Швесткова Ольга, Свєцена Катержина та кол. Ерготерапія: Підручник. – Київ, Чеський центр у Києві, 2019. – 280 с.
- https://www.bilobil.net/ua/dieistviia/bilobil-uluchshaiet-umstviennyie-sposobnosti/ot-narushienii-vnimaniia-do-diemientsii/
- https://fnkc-fmba.ru/zabolevaniya/vertebro-bazilyarnaya-nedostatochnost/#:~:text=%D0%92%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8F%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F%20%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C%20%E2%80%94%20%D1%8D%D1%82%D0%BE%20%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5%2C%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8,%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%8B%D0%B5%20%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5%20%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%20%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%20%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B
