Anosognosia is the loss of knowledge and denial of the disease itself and its limits. Typically, anosognosia is a symptom or consequence of neurological diseases, and may be common in the early or more severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease, with schizophrenia or dementia, for example, being more common in the elderly.
There is no specific treatment for anosognosia, but treating the cause of this condition is generally effective in reducing this symptom; however, what makes treatment difficult is the refusal of the person of the condition, who rejects any help.
- It is important to stimulate this person’s cognitive abilities through puzzles.
- Crossword puzzles or word searches.
- For example.
- In addition to stimulating contact with others.
- Such as in group therapy.
- As this can help them understand their limitations.
- For example.
Anosognosia can be perceived by changing the sudden behavior of the person, such as the appearance of behaviors in order to attract attention, for example. Other signs that can help both your doctor and family identify anosognosia include:
In addition, the person may think that they can normally move their arm, for example, when they can’t really, or think that they answered all the questions in a test correctly, when they have actually failed and don’t realize it. These signs should be observed by the family and communicated to the geriatrician so that the cause can be identified and treatment initiated.
Anosognosia is usually a symptom or consequence of neurological conditions such as:
Diagnosis is made by the neurologist or geriatrician based on the family relationships and observation of the person’s behavior, taking into account certain factors such as language, memory, personality changes and the ability to perform a certain task.
Because he or she is not aware of his condition, the anosognosotic person generally does not accept psychological treatment or medication because he considers that everything is fine in his or her state of health.
There is no specific treatment for anosognosia, but a treatment for the cause, and in most cases it is sufficient to eliminate this symptom, the best way for doctors to reduce these symptoms is through neurological stimulation through cognitive stimulation activities such as word search, puzzles or crossword puzzles , for example, in addition to physical exercise, psychotherapy and group therapy.
In addition, the anosognosic person should be monitored periodically by the geriatrician or neurologist, so that the progression of the symptom and its general condition is recorded.