Experience online cognition
Cognitio search science experience
Science knowledge in business
Nur111 Fall semester
Definition: A complex set of mental processes through which individuals acquire, store, retrieve, and utilize information.
Meaning: The ability of humans to think about their own thinking processes.
Basic consequences of cognition include:
Survival and adaptation enhancement
Effective functioning as a social being
Engagement in meaningful and purposeful activities
There is significant variation in cognitive functioning among healthy individuals.
The nervous system governs cognitive functions, enhancing abilities such as:
Awareness/Perception
Remembering/Memory
Attention
Reasoning/Problem Solving
Decision Making
Communication
Definition: Interpretation of stimuli or inputs.
Influenced by:
External stimuli (environmental)
Internal stimuli (personal)
Variability across the lifespan.
Orientation dimensions:
Person
Place
Time
Situation
Definition: Brain's ability to remain alert and focused.
Key components:
Reticular activating system
Neurotransmitters (dopamine/norepinephrine)
Variation in attention span is normal.
Sensory Memory: Initial stage, retains visual & auditory input for a few seconds.
Short-term Memory: Active processing, seconds-long storage, can be rehearsed into long-term memory.
Long-term Memory: Information stored indefinitely; includes:
Declarative memories:
Semantic memory: Facts and concepts
Episodic memory: Personal experiences
Nondeclarative memories: Skills.
Essential for effective cognitive function:
Ability to receive, interpret, and express communication.
Social cognition: Processing and applying social information accurately and effectively.
Motor coordination involved in executing complex tasks relates to cognition.
Praxis: Control of deliberate, smooth, coordinated movements.
Encompasses mental skills used in planning and executing complex tasks, such as:
Selective focus
Emotional regulation
Problem-solving capabilities
Organization in speech and motor activity
Intelligence is assessed via psychometric tests and relates to:
Adaptive behaviors necessary for daily function:
Conceptual skills
Social skills
Practical skills
Any changes in an individual’s cognitive abilities should be evaluated.
Aging can affect cognitive functions leading to potential decreases.
Cognitive ability in interpreting the environment is impacted byimpairment of senses.
Cognitive decline is not a normal aspect of aging but can be affected by external factors.
Increased time is often needed for learning and motivation is crucial.
Common factors impacting cognitive ability:
Stress
Grief
Oxygenation impairment
Head injury
Obstructive sleep apnea
Stroke
Embolism
Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs)
Medications
Components involved in cognition:
Perception
Learning
Memory: sensory, short-term, long-term
Aging-related cognitive decline:
Brain mass reduction
Slowing metabolism
Decreased blood flow to the brain
Thickening of protective membranes
Evaluation of cognitive changes important to identify other contributing factors.
Lifelong mental activity aids in maintaining cognitive functions.
Key areas affected by cognition:
Perception
Intellectual Function
Attention
Learning
Executive Function
Memory
Motor Skills
Communication
Coordination
Social Cognition
Types of cognitive alterations:
Delusions: False beliefs, cannot be corrected by logic.
Hallucinations: Experiences without real external stimulus.
Confusions: Misinterpretation of sensory inputs and experiences.
Illusions: Distorted perceptions arising from the imagination.
Learning disabilities include:
Dyslexia
Dyscalculia
Dysgraphia
Dyspraxia
These conditions are often neurological and require tailored Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Defined as significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, typically an IQ below 70-75.
Causes often include prenatal conditions and external factors.
Common conditions associated with intellectual disability include:
Down Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Other significant causes:
Traumatic brain injury
Poisoning
Hypoxia
Infections
Environmental deprivation
External maternal infections
Metabolic errors
Caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome (Trisomy 21).
Results in:
Intellectual disability and physical impairments
Higher risk of congenital heart defects
Average life expectancy around 55 years
Related to single abnormality on the X chromosome.
Associated with:
Intellectual disability
Behavioral issues (e.g., ADHD)
Autistic behaviors and developmental delays
Most individuals in good health but some may require treatment for seizures.
Resulting from ethyl alcohol's impact on fetal development.
Characterized by:
Growth deficits
Distinctive facial abnormalities
Central nervous system abnormalities
Higher prevalence in Native American and Alaskan Native populations (10x higher rate).
Individuals may show:
Generalized developmental delays
Need for supervision in personal care tasks.
Confusion is an alteration in cognition affecting clarity of thought, focus, and decision-making abilities.
Factors that may impact the development of confusion include:
Developmental considerations
Cultural background
Internal and external health influences, including chronic conditions.
Common terminologies associated with confusion:
Lost
Confused
Unsure
Unclear
Perplexed
Disoriented
Bewildered
Onset: Slow and subtle.
Progression: Gradual deterioration of cognitive functions.
Memory: Generally worsens over time.
Communication: Increasing difficulty in early stages, leading to eventual uncommunicative states.
Onset: Sudden and severe.
Progression: Brief but may last for months.
Communication: Can become slurred or disorganized.
Assessment strategies include:
Observing the client directly
Noting speech and language abilities
Assessing orientation and alertness
Evaluating memory; ability to calculate; abstract thinking; mood; and emotional state.
Assessment Methods:
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia
General Health Questionnaire
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)
Common diagnoses:
Acute or chronic confusion
Impaired memory
Impaired verbal communication
Disturbed sleep patterns
Self-care deficits
Risk for caregiver role strain
Critical tasks for nurses include:
Ensure clear communication
Identify caregivers
Provide reorientation efforts
Foster a therapeutic environment
Adjust sensory stimulation
Advocate for patients' needs
Responsibilities include:
Ensure protection of patients
Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Provide simple explanations for tasks/procedures
Maintain a calm communication style
Key interventions involve:
Creating a calming and safe environment
Promoting orientation (utilizing clocks, calendars)
Managing sensory stimulation in the environment
Ensuring pain management
Encouraging family visitation
Keeping familiar objects close to the patient
For Agitation, Delirium, Dementia, and Delusions:
Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine)
For Treatment of FAS & Fragile X Syndrome:
Cerebral stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine)
For Alzheimer’s Treatment:
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine)
NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine)
For Depression and Anxiety:
Mood stabilizers and antidepressants (sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine)