Know the 10 Signs of Cognitive Impairment
Recognizing the early signs of cognitive impairment can be challenging, but understanding them is key to getting the right support. Here are 10 signs to watch for:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life – Forgetting important dates or events, or needing more reminders.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems – Difficulty in following a plan or working with numbers, such as tracking monthly bills.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks – Trouble with everyday activities, like driving to a familiar location.
4. Confusion with time or place – Losing track of dates or feeling disoriented in familiar settings.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships – Difficulty reading or judging distance, which can lead to unsafe situations.
6. New problems with words – Struggling to follow or join in conversations, or using the wrong words.
7. Misplacing things – Frequently losing items and being unable to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment – Making uncharacteristic decisions or financial choices.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities – A loss of interest in hobbies or social gatherings.
10. Changes in mood and personality – Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, or anxious without a clear cause.
If you or a loved one are showing any of these signs, it’s important to talk to people you trust about the changes and schedule an appointment with your doctor or a specialist, such as a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, or geriatrician. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and planning for the future. NorthStar Senior Solutions is here to help; reach out today to set up a consultation.
