The word ‘cognitive’ is derived from the Latin "cognoscere" meaning to become acquainted with, and relates to the process of knowing and, more precisely, the process of being aware, knowing, thinking, learning and judging.
Cognitive problems cover a wide variety of difficulties. Occasionally they are also referred to as ‘memory problems’ but this is very misleading as cognitive difficulties include:
- slowed thought
- difficulty planning and problem solving (also known as dysexecutive syndrome)
- language difficulties
- poor concentration
- difficulty with perception and orientation
- lack of motivation
- poor memory or forgetfulness.
Most of us will experience a form of cognitive difficulty at some point during our lives, but this may be entirely normal and due to our circumstances at the time. However, in some people, subtle and almost imperceptible difficulties can progress in such a way that they develop into what is known as dementia.
Short term memory is usually affected so it may be hard to recall names or recent activities, while events from the past can remain clear and more easily remembered. Orientation might also be affected and people can become confused when remembering where they live or what year it is. Finding words can become difficult and there can be problems understanding what other people are saying.
People with cognitive difficulties will quite possibly be unaware of the problems they experience and friends and family often notice first.
Mild cognitive impairment
Cognitive difficulties which are not severe enough to cause dementia are often referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a relatively recent descriptive term rather than a specific medical condition or illness. It is used to describe a loss of memory or other cognitive functions that an individual and/or those close to them are aware of, but are not extreme.
