What it means
Describes the mental processes of thinking. Cognitive function includes attention, memory, language, orientation and judgment. Cognitive impairment means these are not working as well as before, as in deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , dementia, brain injury or some drugs. Nurses check it as part of the mental statusMEN-tul STAT-usA person's state of mind at a given time: how alert they are, what they know and how they think, speak and behave.Full entry exam.
For the nurse
Know the client's usual level of thinking so a change can be spotted. A sudden change is a warning sign and is reported. Use short, simple sentences and give one instruction at a time to a client with cognitive impairment.
At a glance
| Spanish | cognitivo |
|---|---|
| Also written | cognitively |
Related terms
Alzheimer disease
A brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
mental status
A person's state of mind at a given time: how alert they are, what they know and how they think, speak and behave.
perception
The brain's way of taking in and making sense of what the senses detect; also a person's own view or understanding of something.