Cognition refers to information-processing functions, including attention, memory, and executive functions (i.e., planning, problem-solving, self-monitoring, self-awareness). Functional cognition is the interaction of cognitive skills and self-care and community living skills. It refers to the thinking and processing skills needed to accomplish complex everyday activities such as household and financial management, medication management, volunteer activities, driving, and work. Occupational therapists focus their interventions on the relationship between the client’s cognitive skills, functional performance, and environmental context to enhance the daily life experience of individuals with cognitive impairment.
Impairments in functional cognition are common and can result from multiple causes, including:
- Human genetics and/or development (e.g., environmental deprivation, fetal alcohol syndrome, learning disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders)
- Neurologic disease, injuries, and disorders (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury [TBI], Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and related major neurocognitive disorders [dementias], rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome.)
- Mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders)
- Transient or continuing life stresses or changes like (e.g.,stress-related disorders, pain syndromes, anxiety disorders.)
Addressing deficits in functional cognition that enable individuals to participate more fully in self-care, work, leisure, and community activities enhances the quality of life while reducing the burden on caregivers and societal resources.