06/17/2026
The Small Signs That Tell a Bigger Story: Recognizing Early Cognitive Decline
The moment I realized my client’s cognitive function was declining happened during what seemed like an ordinary morning routine.
Before her bath, she removed her Depends undergarment and placed it on the floor instead of in the trash can. It caught me off guard, and I paused for a moment. Wanting to assess whether something had changed, I casually asked, “What did you have for breakfast this morning?” Her response was, “I don’t remember.” It had only been a couple of hours since she had eaten.
After her bath, I assisted her in preparing to stand from the shower chair. Instead of accepting assistance, she pulled away and attempted to maneuver herself toward the toilet independently. While she remained capable of dressing herself with minimal support, I later noticed that she had walked out of the bathroom using her walker with her house dress still gathered around her waist.
These may seem like small observations, but they can be early indicators of cognitive decline and increased safety risks.
This experience reinforced why having a care partner in the home is so important. We provide more than assistance with daily tasks—we serve as an extra set of eyes, a layer of protection, and an advocate for both the individual and their family.
Every observation was documented and communicated to the primary caregiver, ensuring that changes were recognized early and appropriate follow-up could occur.
Sometimes the smallest moments tell us the biggest stories.
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