Memory and Concentration Troubles Across the lifespan, changes in our thinking or “cognitive” skills can impact our daily functioning in various ways. For example, in children or adolescents, difficulties with concentration or organization due to ADHD or other causes can lead to significant problems at school or at home. Throughout life, traumatic brain injuries or neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease) can cause problems at work, lead to physical and/or mental disabilities, and negatively affect relationships with family or friends. In older adults, problems such as mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease can create problems in daily life for elders and their family members. The latter is a particularly relevant issue given the “graying of America” as the baby boomer generation ages. For more information about these issues, the following links may be helpful: ADHD: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ADHD/ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml Brain injury: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm Multiple Sclerosis: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm Parkinson’s Disease: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parkinsons-disease/DS00295 http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stroke/DS00150 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm
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