Cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction (or brain fog) is defined as unusually poor mental function, associated with confusion, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.^[1][2] A number of medical or psychiatric conditions and treatments can cause such symptoms, including heavy metal poisoning (in particular mercury poisoning),^[3] menopause,^[2] chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, mood disorders, ADHD (primarily inattentive), drug abuse, and sleep disorders (including disrupted sleep).^[2] The term brain fog is not commonly used to describe people with dementia or other conditions that are known to cause confusion and memory problems,^{[citation needed]} but it can be used as a synonym for sleep inertia or grogginess upon being awakened from deep sleep.

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) refers to cognitive problems (with memory, learning and the ability to concentrate) following surgery. There has been very limited research into POCD, but existing reports suggest that the incidence of POCD increases with age, it can last for long periods of time, with 2–3 months considered long-term.^{[citation needed]}

POCD has been studied through various institutions since the inception of the IPOCDS-I study centred in Eindhoven, Netherlands and Copenhagen, Denmark. This study found no causal relationship between hypoxia and low blood pressure and POCD. Age, duration of anaesthesia, introperative complications, and postoperative infections were found to be associated with POCD.^{[citation needed]}

POCD to be differentiated from postoperative delirium has a longer duration and no lability or fluctuations in impaired cognitive functioning. Some patients who demonstrated POCD at 10–14 days were found to have improved scores at 3 months, while others continued to demonstrate POCD at periods longer than 1 year. This suggests that in certain at risk patients, POCD may be a permanent alteration of cognitive functioning.^{[citation needed]}

Treatments

Treatment generally involves correcting any underlying medical conditions. For example, if the patient is found to be suffering a form of hypothyroidism, the mental declining effects associated with hypothyroidism can be corrected with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, although many times patients continue to endure confusion and a sense of dementia.^{[citation needed]} Additionally, occupational therapy may be helpful for some people. Neurofeedback can improve symptoms for some people.^[4][5][6]

See also

• ADHD predominantly inattentive
• Cognitive orthotics
• Depersonalization disorder
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Four boxes test
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Insomnia
• Lyme disease
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder
• Post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment
• Pumphead syndrome
• Sluggish cognitive tempo

References

1. ^ "Treating Cognitive Dysfunction ("Brain Fog") in CFS & Fibromyalgia". http://www.ei-resource.org/expert-columns/dr.-jacob-teitelbaums-column/treating-cognitive-dysfunction-(brain-fog)-in-cfs-&-fibromyalgia/. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} Saether, Linda (18 April 2008). "A journey of brain fogs and hot flashes". Atlanta, Georgia: CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/18/hfh.menopause/index.html. Retrieved 3 January 2009. 
3. ^ Frackelton JP, Christensen, RL (1998). "Mercury Poisoning and Its Potential Impact on Hormone Regulation and Aging: Preliminary Clinical Observations Using a New Therapeutic Approach". Journal of Advancement in Medicine 11 (1): 9–25. doi:10.1023/A:1023373303542. 
4. ^ Thatcher RW (January 2000). "EEG operant conditioning (biofeedback) and traumatic brain injury". Clin Electroencephalogr 31 (1): 38–44. PMID 10638351. 
5. ^ Thornton K (December 2000). "Improvement/rehabilitation of memory functioning with neurotherapy/QEEG biofeedback". J Head Trauma Rehabil 15 (6): 1285–96. PMID 11056409. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0885-9701&volume=15&issue=6&spage=1285. 
6. ^ http://www.isnr.org/uploads/(1-1)4.pdf

External links

• Study of POCD
• Goteborg
• amsterdam
• blackwell-synergy.com
• [1] An Update on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction