What Is Meant by a Cognitive Disease?

A cognitive disease impairs the brain’s ability to process information, affecting memory, thinking, language, and problem-solving. These diseases can be progressive, meaning they worsen over time, or they can be temporary and caused by other medical conditions.

What Does a Cognitive Disease Involve?

Cognition is the process by which the brain receives, processes, stores, and recalls information. When a person develops a cognitive disease, these abilities deteriorate, affecting functions such as:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Problem-solving
• Language and communication
• Spatial awareness and orientation

The severity depends on the type of disease and how far it has progressed.

Types of Cognitive Diseases

There are many different types of cognitive diseases. Here are some of the most common:

Dementia-related Diseases

Dementia is a collective term for several diseases that cause long-term and progressive cognitive decline. Some common forms include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease – the most common form of dementia, characterized by memory loss and impaired ability to manage daily tasks.
• Vascular Dementia – caused by disruptions in blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or multiple small blood clots.
• Lewy Body Dementia – characterized by memory difficulties, hallucinations, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
• Frontotemporal Dementia – affects the frontal and temporal lobes, often leading to personality changes and language difficulties.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

These diseases cause the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Examples include:

• Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia – a neurodegenerative condition affecting movement, which can also lead to cognitive decline.
• Huntington’s Disease – a hereditary disorder affecting motor skills, cognition, and emotions.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A severe head injury can cause cognitive impairment, especially if the brain has suffered extensive damage. Sports injuries, traffic accidents, and falls are common causes.

Infections and Metabolic Disorders

Certain infections, such as meningitis, or metabolic disorders like diabetes and vitamin deficiencies, can lead to temporary or long-term cognitive problems.

Symptoms and Daily Impact

Symptoms of cognitive diseases vary depending on the cause and progression. Common early signs include:

• Difficulty remembering recent events
• Trouble finding the right words in conversations
• Reduced ability to plan and organize
• Declining concentration
• Changes in behavior and personality

As the disease progresses, independent living may become challenging, requiring support from family members or healthcare professionals.

Treatment and Management

There is no cure for many cognitive diseases, but there are treatments and strategies to help manage symptoms:

• Medications – some drugs can slow disease progression or alleviate symptoms, such as in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Rehabilitation and Support – cognitive training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy can help individuals maintain their functions longer.
• Lifestyle Changes – physical activity, a healthy diet, and social engagement have shown positive effects on brain health.

Sensorem’s personal alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.