What is the term for the inability to recognize familiar objects?

The term for the inability to recognize familiar objects is agnosia. This condition is specifically related to a deficit in the ability to process sensory information, which affects an individual's ability to interpret and recognize stimuli, even though their sensory systems are functioning normally. For example, a person with agnosia may be able to see a star but may not recognize it as a star due to the disconnection between sensory perception and cognitive understanding.

Agnosia often occurs as a result of brain injury or neurological conditions, and it can involve different types, such as visual agnosia (difficulty recognizing objects visually) or auditory agnosia (difficulty recognizing sounds). Understanding this term is crucial in fields like psychology and social work, where recognizing cognitive impairments in clients can inform appropriate support and interventions.

The other terms presented relate to different cognitive or communication disorders. Apraxia refers to a motor planning issue where a person has difficulty performing tasks or movements, despite having the desire and physical ability to do so. Aphasia involves a loss of the ability to understand or express speech, affecting communication rather than recognition of objects. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily impacts memory and cognitive function, which may include agnosia as one of the potential symptoms, but