Basic Cognitive Functions

Attention and its Alterations

Attention is explored to determine if it is preserved (Euprosexia). Alterations include Hypoprosexia (decreased attention), Hyperprosexia (exaggerated attention) and Paraprosexia (attentional instability where one moves from one stimulus to another rapidly without fixation).

There is also selective attention, which can function as a defense mechanism where the patient voluntarily fixes his or her attention on other stimuli (such as looking at the cell phone) to avoid touching painful subjects during the interview.

Memory and Intelligence Processes

Memory is evaluated in its three phases: capacity of fixation, retention and recall of memories.

Disturbances may include amnesias, hypermnesias or phenomena such as déjà vu and jamais vu.

Regarding intelligence (intellect), a standardized test (such as the Raven or Wechsler) is not always required for the basic mental examination; the subject's ability to solve everyday problems and adapt to the environment (Piaget's definition) can be assessed qualitatively.

Practical examples include asking what he/she would do if a rubber (tire) sprays or if the key in the lock breaks, which reveals his/her ability to solve and logic.

Summary

Attention is explored to determine if Euprosexia or disturbances such as Hypoprosexia and Paraprosexia are present. Sometimes selective attention acts as a defense to avoid painful subjects during the clinical interview.

Memory is evaluated by analyzing its three phases: fixation, retention and recall. Failures in this process may manifest as amnesias, hypermnesias or paramnesic phenomena such as déjà vu.

Intelligence can be qualitatively estimated by observing the subject's ability to adapt and solve everyday problems. Practical questions about hypothetical situations reveal the use of logic and intellectual resources.