«Memory Cabinet» Center
Why is this relevant?
The occurrence of cognitive impairment and impaired concentration is possible at any age for various reasons.
They are able to bring many difficulties into the life of the patient and his loved ones, due to the development of changes in the patient's personality and his degradation, sometimes it takes a long period of time, and sometimes it develops at lightning speed.
What causes cognitive impairment?
These are different due to the cause and mechanism of development of the disease:
- neurological;
- endocrinological;
- mental;
- psychological;
- conditions after neuroinfections and similar disorders.
Cognitive (cognitive) functions are the most complex functions of the brain, through which the process of rational cognition of the world is carried out and purposeful interaction with it is ensured.
That is why a multidisciplinary approach is required to solve the existing problems.
It should be noted that the age of patients is not a leading factor in the development of cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairments include decreased concentration, as well as apathy and lack of desire to do anything.
Who is suffering?
Risk groups for the development of cognitive impairment:
- people experiencing chronic stress (students, working population, young parents);
- people aged 50 and over;
- people suffering from any neurological pathologies (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, panic attacks, etc.);
- suffering from any chronic diseases (endocrinological, rheumatological, therapeutic, etc.) affecting the quality of life;
- people who have suffered infectious diseases, disorders of cerebral circulation, traumatic brain injuries of various degrees of severity;
- susceptible to vitamin deficiency conditions;
- the presence of volumetric brain processes (tumors, etc.);
- people with chronic pain syndromes, regardless of the cause of occurrence;
- having chronic intoxication conditions;
- people with a reduced mood background.
If you even find a risk factor, you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible in order to avoid further progression of the process and get rid of complications!
What should I pay attention to?
First of all, you need to analyze your general condition. Answer the following questions:
1. Is there a pronounced constant or frequent feeling of overwork?
2. Is there a decrease in performance compared to the previous norm?
3. Is there often a lack of desire to do anything other than watching TV on the couch?
4. Have you started paying less attention and concentrating less on work and household issues?
5. Do you feel any constant mood changes?
6. Is there a constant or frequent desire to get rid of "hateful" tasks as soon as possible?
7. Do you still enjoy performing your duties?
8. Don't you feel that it has become more difficult to perform everyday tasks (it is difficult to concentrate, it takes more time to solve questions)?
9. Do you easily adjust (change plans, schedules, and cases) if necessary?
10. Are there any diseases that disrupt your adaptive abilities and concentration?
If you are in doubt about the answer to at least one question, then you should contact a specialist in memory impairment.
What should I do about it?
Contact a specialist!
- The doctor will analyze your complaints, examine the history of pathologies (if any), and evaluate the results of previous studies. He will perform a classic neurological examination.
- Depending on the results obtained, he will conduct several neuropsychological tests (there are a huge number of them and often the same test is not suitable for two different patients, and also a combination of different tests is often required for each individual patient).
- It will determine the need for additional examinations and consultations of related specialists (it should be remembered that in a certain percentage of cases a multidisciplinary approach is required, including the interaction of several doctors of different specialties).
- If necessary, he will prescribe medication therapy, as well as conduct training in training aimed at improving cognitive functions and concentration (for example, training in memorizing a sequence of household actions, training to develop the ability to retain more tasks in RAM, etc.).
The most frequently prescribed examinations:
- MRI of the brain with the introduction of a contrast agent;
- duplex scanning of the main arteries of the head and neck;
- clinical blood analysis and biochemical blood analysis (lipid profile, glucose level, protein fractions, enzymes and trace elements);
- consultations with related specialists, if necessary.
In order to improve cognitive functions and concentration, various exercises are used: reading followed by retelling texts, memorizing poems, reproducing drawings, learning new techniques for memorizing necessary information through the formation of semantic and situational connections, and much more.
! Remember! Periodically, it is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of classes and drug therapy and, if necessary, adjust the set of exercises and dosages of drugs. This should be done by the specialist who prescribed the treatment. After all, he is the one who knows you and your medical history.