Common signs and sympt0ms of cognitive impairment or disturbed thought process may include memory loss, confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, language difficulties, changes in behavior or personality, and problems with problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The following signs and sympt0ms characterize cognitive impairment:
Memory impairment. Significant difficulty in retaining new information or recalling previously learned information.
Cognitive disorientation. Altered perception of time, place, and person, often resulting in confusion about surroundings and events.
Impaired attention and concentration. Difficulty focusing, sustaining attention, and staying engaged in activities.
Executive dysfunction. Challenges in planning, organizing, and executing complex tasks result in difficulties with problem-solving and decision-making.
Aphasia. Language impairments involve difficulties with speech production, comprehension, or word finding.
Changes in behavior and personality. Observable alterations in mood, emotions, social interactions, or impulse control.
Apraxia. Difficulty performing purposeful movements or using objects correctly despite intact motor function.
Agnosia. Inability to recognize or identify objects, people, or familiar sensory stimuli.
Disrupted visuospatial abilities. Impairments in perceiving and interpreting spatial relationships, depth perception, or object recognition.
Psychomotor disturbances. Changes in motor activity, such as agitation, restlessness, or slowed movements.
The following are the priorities for clients with cognitive impairment:
Client safety. Cognitive impairment can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. These clients may also wander and become disoriented, leading to risks to safety.
Communication. Cognitive impairment can impair communication skills, leading to frustration and isolation.
Impaired activities of daily living (ADLs). Cognitive impairment often affects the client’s ability to perform independently.
Nutrition and hydration. cognitive impairment can lead to forgetfulness or difficulty eatıng and drinking independently. Prioritizing adequate nutrition and hydration to prevent malnutrition and dehydration is essential.
The following are the common goals and expected outcomes:
The client will maintain reality orientation and communicate clearly with others
The client will recognize changes in thinking/behavior.
The client will recognize and clarify possible misinterpretations of the behaviors and verbalization of others.
The client will identify situations that occur before hallucinations/delusions.
The client will use coping strategies to deal effectively with hallucinations/delusions.
The client will participate in unit activities.
The client will express delusional material less frequently.
Dr*gs can have direct effects on the brain, or have side effects, dose-related effects, and/or cumulative effects that alter thought patterns and sensory perception. Cognitive alterations and deficits that are observed in substance us̀e disorders contribute directly and indirectly to the overall tremendous public health burden that these disorders place on society. The typical cognitive domains contributing to this understanding of addiction are attention, response inhibition, decision-making, and working memory (Ramey & Regier, 2018).