Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment occurs when there is a problem with perceiving, thinking, or remembering. Strokes are a common cause of cognitive impairment. Other causes include head injuries and some chronic diseases, such as sickle cell disease or multiple sclerosis.

Cognitive impairment may cause difficulties with:

  • Memory, especially short-term memory.
  • Problem solving.
  • Attention span, especially in a mental task such as a math calculation.
  • Expressing oneself, such as finding the right words to use in a conversation.

Therapy may help a person make the most of his or her abilities.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Myron F. Weiner, MD - Geriatric Psychiatry