Are you worried about changes in memory and cognitive function as you or a person you care about ages? Most people experience some areas of cognitive change that are part of "normal" aging such as slow speed of information processing. However, there is considerable variation among individuals, and cognitive decline is not inevitable.

The National Institute on Aging identifies three types of cognitive decline that have been noted with aging:

1. Age-associated Memory Impairment - mild memory impairment that can occur with normal aging.
2. Mild Cognitive Impairment - ongoing memory problems without other problems such as confusion, attention problems, and difficulty with language.
3. Dementia (includes Alzheimer's disease) - cognitive impairment and memory loss that are severe enough to affect daily functioning. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. People with dementia lose their abilities at different rates. Symptoms of Dementia are caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause dementia can be reversed, and others cannot.

If a person is found to have individual cognitive impairment or dementia, there are some interventions and lifestyle modifications that can help. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, the brain remains capable of improving functioning even with increasing age. Although declines occur in certain areas, other domains can improve with age and can compensate for the functions that may decline. Activities and strategies have been identified that assist older adults in increasing their capacity to learn and adapt as they age.

In order to determine the type of cognitive decline a person is experiencing, it is important to get a comprehensive awareness of the various challenges each individual faces and why, as well as the strengths and assets they have. Psychological and neuropsychological assessment can be an integral part of this process and help understand the potentially complex psychological, social, biological, and cognitive components each person is confronting. Importantly, an assessment can determine how to help a person build on their strengths and more fully utilize the cognitive domains that are intact. Community Counseling Group offers extensive psychological and neuropsychological testing services. In-depth information and resources are available online at www.CCGhelp.com. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 805-373-1033.