108 || Solo Podcast: "She ain't right..." Normal vs Concerning Cognition

About this episode

Rebecca Tapia discusses how to differentiate between normal aging-related cognitive issues and concerning signs in aging parents.

Welcome! In this episode I am discussing how to tell the difference between "normal aging" problems with memory/thinking versus what would cause more concern. AI Show Notes: Recognizing Cognitive Changes in Aging Parents during the Holidays In this episode of Real Conversations about Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia discusses the cognitive changes one might notice in aging relatives during the holiday season. Rebecca outlines what is generally considered normal age-related cognitive decline and highlights more concerning signs that may warrant further evaluation. She also provides practical advice on how to differentiate between temporary issues, such as poor sleep or new medications, and more serious cognitive concerns. The episode aims to help listeners understand and observe the cognitive health of their aging loved ones during holiday gatherings. 00:00 Introduction and Apologies 00:38 Understanding Cognitive Changes 02:58 Normal Cognitive Aging 12:31 Concerning Cognitive Signs 22:39 Reversible Causes of Cognitive Decline 27:31 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes Caveats: This is a judgement free zone There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity Take what works well for…

People in this episode

Host: Rebecca Tapia

Topics covered

• cognitive changes
• aging parents
• memory problems
• holiday gatherings
• cognitive health

Keywords

• cognition
• normal aging
• memory decline
• cognitive evaluation
• holiday season

More episodes of Real Conversations about Aging Parents

• 107 || Solo Podcast: Earned Rest · November 12, 2025 · 23 min
• 106 || Solo Podcast: Completed Relationships · November 5, 2025 · 33 min
• 105 || Solo Podcast: Making "sit to stand" sexy again · October 29, 2025 · 30 min
• 104 || Solo Podcast: Lessons from the Greenland Shark · October 15, 2025 · 21 min
• 103 || Solo Podcast: Consumer Reports feature on Fall Prevention · October 8, 2025 · 24 min
• 102 || Solo Podcast: The Minimum Viable Relationship · October 1, 2025 · 28 min