Symptom 9. Sudden Onset of Confusion or Trouble Understanding – A Mental Maze
One of the more startling symptoms of cerebrovascular disease is the sudden onset of confusion or trouble understanding simple concepts. This mental maze, as it’s often described, can leave the individual and those around them puzzled.
This confusion isn’t a slow, creeping onset often seen with cognitive diseases such as dementia. Instead, it’s a sudden change that could drastically affect an individual’s capability to comprehend simple tasks or familiar routines.
For instance, they might struggle to understand the process of making a cup of coffee, a task they’ve been performing every morning for years. This immediate change is what sets this confusion apart and makes it a key symptom of cerebrovascular disease.
The sudden confusion is the result of an interruption in blood flow to the parts of the brain responsible for cognition and understanding. This can occur due to a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). When these areas don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, it can result in confusion and difficulty understanding basic tasks. (9)
