What is Cognitive Health?

Understand the Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Cognitive Changes

Older man with white hair and beard looks at a puzzle piece

What is Cognitive Health?

Cognitive health is the ability to think, learn, and remember clearly — essential functions you need to perform everyday activities. It’s part of overall brain health, which also includes motor, emotional, and sensory functions. Simply put, good cognitive health means your brain and body work well together.

Cognitive health can be affected by chronic conditions, medication side effects, injuries, or emerging diseases. Contrary to popular belief, major cognitive decline isn’t an unavoidable part of aging. We get a lot of questions about cognitive health at the Resource Center. And what we like to tell those who ask is that, while some natural changes happen as we age, it’s important to know the difference between normal and abnormal changes in cognitive function.

Normal Cognitive Aging

Delayed brain information processing. This starts slowing down in our 30s!
Momentary forgetfulness, like entering a room and briefly forgetting why.
Delayed recall of names or information, often called “Tip of the Tongue Syndrome.”
Occasional difficulty finding the right word.
Reduced ability to multitask–it becomes harder to pay attention to more than one thing at a time.
Misplacing items due to distraction, like your phone or car keys.
Developing fixed routines and becoming irritated when the routine is disrupted.
Feeling tired of work, family, or social obligations.

Abnormal Cognitive Changes

Repeatedly telling the same stories or asking the same questions more than usual.
Difficulty performing routine tasks or following directions.
Disorientation or trouble remembering where you are and why you’re there.
Severe word-finding issues, like forgetting the names of common items.
Problems with abstract thinking or numbers.
Forgetting entire conversations or appointments.
Misplacing items in odd places, like putting your keys in the fridge.
Increased irritability or mood changes in comfortable or familiar places.
Noticeable shifts in personality and mood.

Cognitive Health Screenings at Evergreen Commons

If you’re interested in assessing the cognitive health of yourself or a loved one, Evergreen Commons offers the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This quick, adaptable test can identify cognitive changes and provide results to discuss with healthcare providers for memory support.

Schedule an appointment by contacting Member Services at 616-396-7100 or evergreen@evergreencommons.org.