Cognitive changes, memory and screening tools

Cognition

Mental processes such as thinking, learning, remembering, and problem-solving.

Normal cognitive aging

Age-related changes in certain mental processes that do not automatically mean a person has dementia.

Crystallized intelligence

Accumulated knowledge, vocabulary, and learned information that often remain strong with age.

Fluid intelligence

The ability to solve new problems and process unfamiliar information; it may decline with age.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and change through learning and experience.

Cognitive reserve

The brain's ability to cope with changes or damage while maintaining function.

Orientation

Awareness of information such as person, place, time, and situation.

Alert and oriented x3 (A&O x3)

Typically means the person is oriented to person, place, and time.

Attention

The ability to focus on information or a task.

Divided attention

The ability to focus on more than one task at a time; this can become more difficult with age.

Executive function

Mental skills used for planning, organizing, decision-making, working memory, flexibility, and self-control.

Primary memory

Immediate memory that briefly holds information, such as a short string of numbers.

Short-term memory

Temporary storage of a small amount of information.

Working memory

The ability to hold and use information while performing a mental task.

Prospective memory

Remembering to do something in the future.

Long-term memory

Storage of information over an extended period.

Episodic memory

Memory of personal experiences and events.

Semantic memory

Memory of facts, meanings, and general knowledge.

Procedural memory

Memory of how to perform learned skills, such as riding a bicycle.

Recall

Retrieving information from memory without being shown the answer.

Recognition

Identifying information that has been encountered before.

Recall vs. recognition

Recall is often more affected by aging than recognition.

Memory cues

Hints or reminders that help a person retrieve information.

Memory aids

Tools such as calendars, lists, notes, and routines that help compensate for memory difficulties.

Multimodal learning

Learning information through more than one method or sense.

Repetition

Repeating information to help improve learning and retention.

Paraphrasing

Restating information in one's own words to improve understanding.

Senior moment

A brief, occasional lapse in memory that can occur with normal aging.

Warning sign of cognitive decline

Forgetting important, well-learned information or experiencing changes that interfere with daily functioning.

Mini-Cog

A brief screening tool used to identify possible cognitive impairment.

Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)

A screening tool used to identify delirium.

Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT)

A tool used to assess executive functioning through everyday tasks.

PACEs

A framework for supporting cognitive health: Purpose, Activity, Cognitive pursuits, Emotional health, and Socialization/Sleep.

Purpose

Within PACEs, having meaning and direction in life.

Activity

Within PACEs, engaging in physical activity.

Cognitive pursuits

Within PACEs, participating in mentally stimulating activities.

Emotional health

Within PACEs, supporting emotional well-being and addressing problems such as depression.

Socialization and sleep

Within PACEs, maintaining social connections and healthy sleep habits.

Cognitive decline risk factors

Factors may include medical conditions, loneliness, depression, smoking, inactivity, genetics, and low cognitive stimulation.