"Most people will forget a name, misplace their phone, or lose track of a conversation at some point. Usually, those moments pass without much thought. But for many adults, especially as they age, small lapses can trigger a much deeper fear: Is this the beginning of cognitive decline? As a neurologist, I hear this concern often. And as a researcher, I have learned something important: Worry about cognition and cognitive disease are not the same thing."
"Clinically, we distinguish among three related but very different experiences: Cognitive concern, when a person feels their memory or thinking has changed. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), when testing shows a measurable decline beyond what's expected for age, but daily independence remains intact. Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD), when cognitive decline interferes with everyday functioning. These categories matter. They guide diagnosis, counseling, and treatment."
Normal memory lapses such as forgetting names, misplacing items, or losing track of conversations are common and often benign. Concern about cognitive change is distinct from measurable decline on testing (MCI) and from dementia, which impairs daily functioning. Anxiety and depression can amplify perception of ordinary lapses and increase distress. Clear clinical distinctions guide diagnosis, counseling, and treatment, while patient perceptions often blur categories. Thoughtful evaluation, sensitive communication, and attention to psychological factors can reduce unnecessary fear, prevent missed care opportunities, and better support cognitive health in aging adults.
Read at Psychology Today
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