Word parts
What it means
A loss or weakness in mental abilities. It can be mild, where daily life goes on with some help, or severe, as in dementia such as Alzheimer diseaseAHLTS-hy-mer dih-ZEEZA brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.Full entry . It can be short-term and reversible, as in deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , or long-term. Causes include brain diseases, stroke, head injury, low oxygen, infections, drugs and alcohol.
For the nurse
Find out the client's baseline from family, since a sudden change is a different problem from a long-standing one. Use short, simple sentences, one step at a time, and keep a calm, familiar routine. Check whether the client can safely give consent.
At a glance
| Spanish | deterioro cognitivo |
|---|---|
| Also written | cognitive impairments, cognitively impaired |
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.
impairment
A loss or weakening of a body function or ability, such as sight, hearing, movement or thinking.
confusion
A state in which a person cannot think clearly, pay attention, remember or know where they are.
orientation
A person's awareness of who they are, where they are, what time it is and what is happening.