Alterations in Mental
Health and Cognition
Elaine Thomas RN MSN CNE
,Mental Health
Mental health is foundational to
a sense of personal well being,
physical health, relationships
and learning
Itinvolves successful
engagement in activities and
relationships and the ability to
adapt to and cope with change
2
,Cognition
Cognition refers to the
change in thought,
intelligence and language
that occurs over time as
brain maturation and life
experiences interact to
mutually influence
children’s actions
3
, Pediatric Differences
The brain develops early; critical development
occurs by the fourth to sixth week of gestation
Many woman do not know they are pregnant at
this time
During this time, the brain is not protected by
the blood-brain barrier and is at risk for injury
from the fetal environment
Maternal alcohol and drug ingestion, certain
medications and exposure to environmental
toxins can influence the developing fetus’s
brain
(Ball, Bindler, Cowen and Shaw, 2019)
4
Health and Cognition
Elaine Thomas RN MSN CNE
,Mental Health
Mental health is foundational to
a sense of personal well being,
physical health, relationships
and learning
Itinvolves successful
engagement in activities and
relationships and the ability to
adapt to and cope with change
2
,Cognition
Cognition refers to the
change in thought,
intelligence and language
that occurs over time as
brain maturation and life
experiences interact to
mutually influence
children’s actions
3
, Pediatric Differences
The brain develops early; critical development
occurs by the fourth to sixth week of gestation
Many woman do not know they are pregnant at
this time
During this time, the brain is not protected by
the blood-brain barrier and is at risk for injury
from the fetal environment
Maternal alcohol and drug ingestion, certain
medications and exposure to environmental
toxins can influence the developing fetus’s
brain
(Ball, Bindler, Cowen and Shaw, 2019)
4
