Cognitive impairment describes any decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, language, problem-solving, and attention. Such impairments can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but they can also be the result of other medical conditions, such as depression or chronic pain. This type of cognitive impairment can negatively impact everyday activities and affect a person’s ability to work, manage finances and lead an independent lifestyle.
What Does It Mean To Have Cognitive Impairment?
Cognitive impairment can be defined as a decrease in certain mental functions, which include the following:
- Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering recent events or facts and the ability to recall memories.
- Weak Reasoning: Decreased ability to reason or make decisions.
- Difficulty In Communication: Difficulty understanding language or relating to others.
- Loss Of Coordination: Problems with motor skills or coordinating fine and gross movements.
- Mood Swings: Feelings of confusion, anxiety, depression, and apathy.
- Changes In Behavior: Problems with impulse control and decreased ability to socialize.
Chronic Pain Conditions Associated With Cognitive Difficulties
Cognitive difficulties aren’t just the result of dementia or Alzheimer’s but can also be associated with chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain refers to long-term or persistent pain. Some chronic pain conditions which can lead to cognitive impairment include the following:
Chronic Migraines and Headaches
Chronic migraines and headaches can cause a decrease in cognitive abilities because of the intense pain they cause. This type of pain can impair the ability to focus or concentrate, making it difficult to think clearly or remember information accurately. Not to mention, migraines have been linked to an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord become damaged. This damage can cause cognitive dysfunction due to disturbed communication between the brain and other organs. It can also lead to difficulty thinking, speaking, and remembering information.
Long COVID
Long COVID Syndrome is a condition where people experience long-term symptoms of COVID-19, such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, and cognitive difficulties. These cognitive issues can range from difficulty concentrating to problems with memory recall or processing information.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain, and cognitive difficulties. People with fibromyalgia often experience difficulty focusing, remembering information, or forming new memories.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that’s characterized by extreme exhaustion and physical and cognitive difficulties. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often experience difficulty processing information, difficulty speaking, and decreased mental alertness.
Risk Factors For Cognitive Impairments
Certain lifestyle choices, such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, can increase the risk of developing cognitive difficulty. That being said, three major risk factors for cognitive impairments include the following:
- Age: An individual’s physical and mental abilities tend to decline with age.
- Family History: If your family has a history of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments, your risk of developing the same increases.
- Comorbidities: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk for cognitive impairment, such as stroke, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
The Importance Of Early Detection For Cognitive Impairment
Early detection of cognitive impairment is essential for effective treatment. If you experience mild cognitive difficulties, you should immediately seek medical attention. This is especially important if you’re at risk for more serious conditions, like dementia or Alzheimer’s, as early intervention can help delay symptoms from worsening.
However, just because you experience cognitive difficulties doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop dementia or Alzheimer’s in the future. Cognitive impairment can sometimes be managed and treated with lifestyle changes or therapy. It is essential to speak with a doctor about any cognitive issues to determine the best course of action for treatment.
Diagnosing Cognitive Difficulties
Diagnosing cognitive difficulties can be tricky since many symptoms are shared with other medical conditions. Discussing all current and past health issues with your doctor is important so they can make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, the following tests are often used to diagnose cognitive impairment:
- Physical Examination: A physical exam can help rule out certain underlying conditions that could be contributing to cognitive difficulties. For example, a doctor may check for stroke, infection, or thyroid disease signs.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood and urine tests can identify any medical conditions that could be causing cognitive difficulties, such as vitamin deficiencies or anemia.
- Imaging Tests: MRI and CT scans can rule out any structural changes or abnormalities in the brain that could be causing cognitive difficulties. For example, imaging tests can help detect stroke or tumors, which could lead to cognitive impairment.
- Neuropsychological Tests: Neuropsychological tests are used to measure cognitive functioning. They can help assess an individual’s memory, language skills, and ability to process information.Â
Conventional Treatment For Cognitive Problems
Conventional treatments for cognitive impairment vary depending on the condition’s underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may include medications to manage symptoms or alleviate pain. Other treatments may include lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or occupational therapy can help individuals struggling with cognitive difficulties cope with their condition.Â
Remember that it can take time for treatments to be effective. Cognitive impairment may not be treatable or reversible in many cases. However, it can still be addressed with a customized approach based on the results of diagnostic procedures and the nature of any additional symptoms.
Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management Protocol For Pain-Induced Cognitive Issues
It’s crucial to understand that cognitive impairment can’t always be treated and may not be reversible. However, Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management can help to address many of the chronic pain conditions that can lead to cognitive issues if left untreated. We use the Neuragenex Neurofunctional Pain Management approach, which means that we treat the source of the pain, not just the symptoms.Â
As a result, there is a possibility that you may experience improvements in cognitive function as a secondary benefit to pain relief – but it’s important to note that there’s no guarantee that any cognitive issues resulting from the underlying condition will be resolved.
Keeping this in mind, the following are some of the drug-free, non-invasive treatments that we use to help provide long-term relief from chronic pain:
Electroanalgesia
Electroanalgesia is a pain management technique that uses high-pulse electrical current to ease pain, boost blood circulation, improve mobility, and induce...
IV Therapy
IV nutritional therapy, or intravenous therapy, involves administering vital nutrients directly to the bloodstream through an IV. This type of treatment bypasses the digestive system, allowing for maximum absorption and utilization of nutrients by the...
Lifestyle Counseling
Lifestyle counseling is an approach to managing chronic pain that involves identifying, assessing, and modifying lifestyle factors contributing to an individual's pain. For example, lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep quality...
Conditions We Treat
Chronic Migraines And Headache Pain Treatment
Chronic migraines and headaches can cause severe pain, blurred vision, and fatigue. Experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis can be debilitating and can affect your quality of life. Our pain management approach can help you reduce the frequency,...
Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Treatment
We offer a unique and leading-edge approach to treating the burning, tingling, throbbing pain that may be associated with peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. We have helped 100’s of patients, just like you, reduce their pain fast and get back to living...
Long COVID Pain and Fatigue Treatment
Long COVID is the term used to describe the ongoing symptoms experienced by people who were previously infected with COVID-19. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and generally include fatigue, breathlessness, joint pain, and cognitive...
Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes several symptoms, including widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Our non-surgical and drug-free treatments can help reduce the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. Additionally, our holistic...
Chronic Fatigue Pain Treatment
Chronic fatigue is a condition that causes incredible tiredness, headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. As a result, chronic fatigue can greatly affect a person's quality of life. Thankfully, Neuragenex NFPM is a holistic, non-invasive, and...
Resolve The Chronic Pain Associated With Your Cognitive Impairment Issues Today
There are many chronic conditions that can lead to both pain and cognitive impairment. Although cognitive impairment can be challenging to reverse, our protocol can help to address the underlying condition to provide long-term pain relief, thereby possibly reducing the risk for further cognitive impairment as well as potentially resolving existing issues as a secondary benefit.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain resulting in cognitive impairment, contact us today to learn more about how our protocol can help. We are here to provide you with the personalized care and support that you need to start feeling better and regain control of your life.
Your cognitive problems may be caused by chronic migraines and headaches.