Define "cognitive impairment."

Cognitive impairment refers to a decline in mental abilities that affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities effectively. This decline can encompass various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. When cognitive impairment occurs, individuals may struggle to remember important information, organize tasks, or make judgments, all of which can impact their ability to live independently and carry out normal everyday functions.

This definition emphasizes the significant aspect of cognitive impairment: it is not limited to a complete loss of memory or communication difficulties alone. Instead, it can manifest in various ways, and it reflects a spectrum of cognitive dysfunction that can arise from different conditions, including dementia and other neurological disorders.

The other options, while related to cognitive issues, do not capture the full scope of cognitive impairment. For example, a complete loss of memory suggests a total amnesia that is not typical of cognitive impairment as a whole, which usually involves a range of skills. The inability to communicate effectively may be a symptom or result of cognitive impairment, rather than a defining characteristic. Lastly, a temporary state of confusion indicates a short-term issue rather than the lasting decline in mental abilities suggested by cognitive impairment.