Cognition

Definition: Cognition is defined as the ability to think, learn, remember, and make decisions.

Cognitive alterations can be categorized into two primary types: delirium and dementia.

Definition: Dementia is characterized by a chronic and gradual decline in cognitive function.
Key characteristics:
- Progressive nature (function worsens over time)
- Irreversible in most cases

Alzheimer's Disease
- Cause: Characterized by the build-up of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This leads to brain cell death, making it the most common form of dementia.
- Early Symptoms:
  - Short-term memory loss
  - Difficulty learning new information
- Later Symptoms:
  - Severe memory loss
  - Disorientation (e.g., inability to recognize family members)
- Unique symptoms include visual hallucinations and fluctuations in cognitive abilities.
- Physical symptoms may include tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
Lewy Body Dementia
- Caused by Lewy body protein deposits in the brain.
- Similar to Alzheimer's but often includes visual hallucinations.
Vascular Dementia
- Cause: Results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or multiple small infarcts.
- Symptoms:
  - Symptoms may appear suddenly rather than gradually.
- Risk Factors:
  - Hypertension
  - Diabetes
  - Smoking
Frontotemporal Dementia
- Main Areas Affected: Damage primarily occurs in the temporal lobes.
- Main Changes:
  - Memory impairment
  - Personality changes
  - Impulsive behavior
  - Loss of social awareness
- Notably, memory loss is not usually the first symptom.

Definition: Delirium is defined as an acute state characterized by confusion.