A Guide to Understanding Cognitive Disabilities
A Guide to Understanding Cognitive Disabilities
According to a Deakin University report commissioned by Inclusion Australia, of the estimated 4.4 million people (17.7% of the population) with disability in the country, 286,000 (6.5%) had cognitive or developmental disabilities. Cognitive disabilities can pose a challenge, especially to the elderly, as they may cause losing the ability to understand the meaning or importance of something. In severe cases, some people even lose the ability to talk or write, impairing them from living independently.
With the proper interventions and solutions, though, people living with cognitive disabilities can avoid these complications and experience an improvement in their quality of life, allowing them to be more independent. In a special paper on intellectual disability by Jane McCarthy, a professor in Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland, New Zealand has been implementing the closure of large hospitals for over 40 years to give way to the development of community-based services for its citizens with intellectual disability.
Tunstall has a range of telecare solutions tailored to people with cognitive abilities so clients can enjoy independence in their homes with the knowledge that they can seek immediate support and assistance if needed.
Before we delve into solutions for people with cognitive disabilities, let us first look into what it is.
What are Cognitive Disabilities?
Cognitive disabilities are a group of conditions characterised by diminished intellectual and adaptive development. Affecting more males than females, cognitive disabilities can cause memory loss, trouble learning new skills or information, loss of concentration, and inability to make decisions in their daily life.
Family members may notice the following in a person with a cognitive disability:
change in the person’s mood
confusion or agitation throughout the day
difference in behaviour or speech
issues with recognising people, things, and places.
problem with motor coordination
lack of balance resulting in falls
unusual mannerisms and abnormal posture
emotional instability
Two of the most common cognitive disabilities among older people are:
Dementia - a progressive cognitive impairment that can affect a person’s judgment, language, memory, and ability to carry out simple everyday tasks.
Delirium - categorised as an acute disturbance of consciousness and attention. A person with delirium can experience fluctuations in their cognitive abilities in a day.
Other conditions include paraplegia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, down syndrome and many other disabilities.
When should a person get tested?
It is important to note that while cognitive disabilities more often affect the elderly, these are not normal symptoms of getting old. Any form of impairment in someone’s cognitive abilities should be recognised by medical professionals so they can understand the condition and provide proper assistance. People with cognitive disabilities are often undiagnosed leading to a lack of support and interventions.
If the individual, family members, or friends, have noticed the following symptoms, they should consider screening for cognitive disabilities:
Significant change in the thinking and understanding
Severe memory loss impairing day-to-day life
Sudden shifts in behaviour
Screenings can also be done when the following risk factors are met:
Stroke
Depression
History of Type 2 Diabetes
Age older than 80
As a rule, if the individual is worried about impeded memory or thinking, a medical evaluation should be sought out.
Benefits of Early Screening
First, if the screening turns out to be negative, it will be a relief for the individual and family members. If the screening is positive, however, further evaluation is to be expected.
To know more about the cognitive impairment, the physician should identify the cause which includes:
Medication side effects
Metabolic or endocrine imbalance
Substance use
Sleep disorder
Alzheimer’s
Acquired brain injury
Intellectual disability
When the person is diagnosed early, the underlying health condition can be monitored and symptoms can be treated. Comorbid conditions will also be managed properly and effectively to avoid any potential safety issues. Early screening will also allow the person to plan long-term care so they can get the care network and support services needed.
How are cognitive disabilities diagnosed?
Health professionals will test understanding, concentration and memory in the initial stage to see if someone has a cognitive disability. A person’s ability to function in complex situations such as driving or managing money will also be studied to assess their cognitive abilities. Family members, friends, or carers may also need to share anything they may have noticed in the person’s behaviour over time.
The following tests may also be explored:
Neurological exam
Blood tests
Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan)
Mental status testing
How can Tunstall help people with cognitive disabilities become more independent?
Tunstall has a team of cognitive care experts who understand the impact of cognitive disabilities. We offer the following Connected Care solutions to help people with cognitive disabilities to become more independent:
Personal Alarms
Tunstall’s personal alarms can help support the independence and safety of people with cognitive disabilities. This 24/7 monitoring device allows people to live with their loved ones and stay in their own homes longer while still ensuring the right assistance can reach the user whenever they need it.
Fall Detectors
Tunstall Healthcare’s range of fall detectors can automatically detect if the wearer has fallen which will then raise an alarm call. Tunstall’s 24/7 Customer Care team will respond and summon the appropriate help. The user can also manually call for help 24/7 when needed with just a press of a button. These are often worn as a pendant around the neck or wrist.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) also offers support for people with cognitive disabilities through providers like Tunstall. We have resources on how you can access assistive technology with NDIS and you can check them out here:
For more information on how Tunstall can help provide assistance and support to people with cognitive disabilities, contact us today.
Keep reading: 6 Mental Health Tips for Boosting Wellbeing of Seniors and People Living With a Disability
