Symptom 8: Cognitive and Behavioral Changes: A Shifting Inner Landscape
Our eighth symptom of CBS brings us into the sphere of cognition and behavior, two intertwined aspects of human function that can undergo significant alterations due to this condition. The result is akin to an internal landscape subtly shifting, leading to changes in thinking, behavior, and even personality.
Cognitive changes in CBS may vary widely among individuals. For some, it might involve difficulty in problem-solving or a reduced ability to organize and plan. Others might experience a decline in their memory or find it harder to maintain attention, making the world around them seem slightly out of sync.
These cognitive shifts often creep into the behavioral realm. Imagine a usually meticulous person becoming less organized, or a typically outgoing individual becoming more withdrawn. CBS can trigger such transformations, painting a different picture of the person from what they or their loved ones are used to.
As these cognitive and behavioral changes unfold, they can ripple into everyday life. Tasks that once felt like second nature might start to feel challenging, or social interactions that were once enjoyable might become daunting. The impacts are as varied as they are profound.(8)