Cognitive impairment refers to difficulties with thinking skills such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. As people age, some degree of cognitive decline is common, but it varies widely among individuals. Normal aging can lead to slower processing speed and occasional forgetfulness, but severe cognitive impairment is not a normal part of aging.

Aging increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which involves noticeable but not disabling memory or thinking problems. MCI can sometimes progress to more serious conditions like dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is characterized by significant memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday activities.