The first symptoms of cognitive impairment may be hard to detect and could appear as normal signs of aging. Things such as forgetting names and phone numbers, and losing items more often than usual are often accepted as a normal part of aging.In the early onset, things may emerge slowly and go unrecognized. When these symptoms start affecting daily life, it may be time for concern.Common Symptoms of Cognitive Change If one or more of these symptoms is noticed, it may be cause for concern.Memory lossProblems doing familiar tasksProblems with languageTrouble knowing the time, date, or placePoor or decreased judgmentProblems with abstract thinkingMisplacing things often, such as keysChanges in mood and behaviorChanges in personalityLoss of interest in starting projects or doing activitiesWhat should you ask? Is the person forgetting things more often, such as appointments, people's names, or telephone numbers? Is the forgetfulness affecting his or her ability to get things done? Does the person forget birthdays, anniversaries, family occasions, or holidays? Is the person having a hard time doing familiar tasks, such as buttoning his or her shirt, paying bills, using VCR, doing housework, shopping, or taking medications? Does the person need reminders to do things like household chores, shopping, and taking medications? Is the person putting things in strange places, such as placing keys in the refrigerator? Is the person forgetting common words or losing his or her rain of thought while talking? Is the person having a hard time doing complex tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or keeping track of plots in movies or books? Have you noticed that the changes in the person's behavior are leaving the person confused, suspicious, or afraid? Does the person becomoe defensive when questioned about things? Does the person often "joke around" when asked questions and never truly answers the question posed? Is the person sometimes confused about what day it is or how to get to familiar places, such as his or her own home or the store? Has the person lost interest in hobbies, clubs, or other things he or she used to enjoy? Have you noticed that the person is avoiding other people, including family and friends? Does the person have a harder time now making choices than in the past? Does the person often repeat himself or herself or ask the same questions over and over? Is there a decrease in the person's quality of self care skills, such as wearing the same clothing many days in a row and/or having body odor?Are there concerns about the person's driving, for example, getting lost or driving unsafely, or has had to stop driving?
