Final answer:
Patients are not always aware of their cognitive deficits and can have anosognosia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that patients are always aware of their cognitive deficits is FALSE.
It is common for patients with cognitive impairments to be unaware of their deficits, a condition known as anosognosia. This occurs as a result of certain brain injuries or neurological disorders. Anosognosia can affect various cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and executive functioning.
The mental status exam is a tool used to assess cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and language skills. Through this exam, healthcare professionals can identify cognitive deficits and determine the presence of anosognosia.