agnózie

Agnosia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize or identify familiar objects, people, or sounds, despite intact sensory function. The term originates from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" and "gnosis" meaning "knowledge." This means that individuals with agnosia lack the ability to gain knowledge through their senses.

Agnosia can manifest in various forms depending on the sensory modality affected. Visual agnosia is the most common type, where individuals cannot recognize what they are seeing, even though their vision is unimpaired. They might be able to describe the shape or color of an object but fail to identify it. Auditory agnosia affects the ability to recognize sounds, such as a ringing phone or a barking dog. Tactile agnosia, also known as astereognosis, involves the inability to identify objects by touch.

Agnosia typically arises from damage to specific areas of the brain, often the parietal or temporal lobes, which are responsible for processing sensory information and integrating it with memory. This damage can be caused by strokes, head injuries, tumors, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Diagnosis involves a thorough neurological examination and specific tests designed to assess sensory perception and recognition. Treatment for agnosia is limited, as the underlying brain damage is often irreversible. Rehabilitation efforts focus on compensatory strategies, such as using other senses to identify objects or relying on external cues and assistance.