Symptoms and behaviour

What is Agnosia?

Agnosia is the inability to recognise objects, faces, sounds or smells despite the senses working normally.

A person may look at a comb and not know what it is for, or fail to recognise a spouse's face while knowing their voice. It is distressing for families precisely because the senses are intact.

Using context helps: handing someone the comb near a mirror, or saying your name as you enter the room.

Why it matters

Not being recognised is one of the hardest moments for a family, and knowing it is the disease helps a little.

Sources

Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.

Agnosia where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

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