From the Department of Neurology, Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague, the Netherlands, and VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Author’s disclosure of potential conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article.
Address reprint requests to Martin J. B. Taphoorn, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, Medical Center Haaglanden/Westeinde Ziekenhuis, PO Box 432, 2501 CK, The Hague, the Netherlands; e-mail: m.taphoorn{at}mchaaglanden.nl
Overview: Cognitive functions are brain functions that, compared with other mammals, are extremely highly developed in humans. These so-called "higher" cerebral functions, which include language, memory, attention, and executive functioning, are in contrast with the "basic" functions of the central nervous system that usually include primary sensory, perceptual, motor, and autonomic activities. Deficits in cognitive functions may not only be caused by cerebral cortical lesions, but also, because of the widespread cortical–subcortical connections, may result from subcortical white matter disease or even from damage to cerebellar structures. Cognitive decline, which might ultimately lead to dementia, negatively affects the patient’s health-related quality of life and well-being.
