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Chronic Illness Symptoms – Cognition / Trouble ThinkingCognition refers to the ability to think, remember, process, and express information. Good cognition is critical to your ability to function well in life; it affects your work, family and social life, safety, and practically every other thing you do. For this reason, cognitive symptoms can be one of the most distressing parts of chronic illness. Cognitive symptoms have many different causes. Some chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or traumatic brain injury, have direct effects on your ability to think clearly. Cognitive symptoms can also be worsened by fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of chronic illness. Cognitive symptoms are often described as "brain fog." They may include forgetfulness, trouble speaking or remembering familiar words, losing your way in familiar places, confusion, and difficulty making decisions. Your healthcare professional can do neurological, laboratory, and imaging tests to try to pinpoint the cause of your cognitive symptoms. Patricia Fennell's Four-Phase Treatment (FFPT) model looks at an individual's complete spectrum of symptoms and functional capacities and offers a whole-person, individualized approach to illness management. FFPT examines a person's symptoms, what phase of illness he or she is in, and his or her symptoms and capacities, then designs a treatment plan that incorporates every aspect of the person's life. For more information about the capacities of chronic illnesses (pain, fatigue, poor sleep, cognition and thinking, walking and other movement, mood, and gastrointestinal symptoms), please see the categories at left. Ultimately, the Fennell Four Phase Model and the Albany Health Management Associates approach to health management seeks to help people identify the most effective treatments; comply with medical, alternative, and psychological therapies; and learn to better self-manage their lives and their chronic illnesses. If you would like more information about the Albany Health Management Associates approach to treating chronic illness, please contact us.
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