Which term describes the gradual decline in cognitive function often seen in aging individuals?

The term that describes the gradual decline in cognitive function commonly observed in aging individuals is dementia. Dementia is characterized by a persistent and progressive decline in cognitive abilities, affecting memory, reasoning, language, and judgment. This condition can interfere significantly with daily living and social interactions.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome associated with various underlying conditions. It typically presents with symptoms that develop slowly and worsen over time, distinguishing it from other cognitive-related terms.

Other terms, such as delirium, refer to a temporary state of confusion often due to a medical condition, medication, or substance intoxication, making it distinct from the gradual nature of dementia. Cognitive impairment is a broader term that can describe various levels of decline, but it does not specifically convey the progressive nature seen in dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia and is the most common cause of dementia, but it is not the term that encompasses all gradual cognitive decline in aging.