What is the cognitive disorder characterized by the loss of reading ability?

The cognitive disorder characterized by the loss of reading ability is known as alexia. This condition typically arises from damage to specific areas of the brain responsible for processing written language, often due to a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Individuals with alexia may be able to write or speak normally but struggle to comprehend written text. This distinction is important, as it highlights that alexia specifically impacts reading ability, whereas other disorders may affect different aspects of language or cognitive function.

Dyslexia is a reading disorder characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Though it also involves challenges with reading, it is a developmental condition rather than an acquired one.

Apraxia refers to the inability to perform tasks or movements when asked, despite having the desire and the physical ability to do so. It is related to motor planning rather than the ability to read.

Agraphia is the loss of the ability to write, which is distinct from the impairment of reading abilities seen in alexia. Each of these conditions serves as a reminder of the complexity of language processing and the different cognitive skills involved.