Daily living and health
Cognitive decline
Cognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language. Mild changes can come with normal aging. A larger or faster drop may signal mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Other causes, such as infections, medicines, depression, or sleep problems, can also play a part.
Why it matters for your family
Signs include repeated questions, missed bills, getting lost on familiar routes, or trouble with familiar tasks. A doctor can check for treatable causes and decide whether further testing is needed. Writing down examples helps the visit. A common mistake is waiting because the person seems fine in short visits. Families often see more. Early answers allow planning, safety changes, and supports. Companion care can help with reminders, meals, and routine. Home safety, wandering risk, and driving also need attention as decline progresses. Bring a list of all medicines to the visit, since some can affect memory and thinking.
Source: alz.org
Related terms
- Mild cognitive impairmentMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory or thinking decline that the person and family can notice but that does not stop most daily activities.
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.
- Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, and using transportation or a phone.
- WanderingWandering is when a person with dementia leaves a safe place or walks around without a clear purpose and may become lost.
- Companion careCompanion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.
