Symptom 2. Difficulty in Planning or Problem Solving: An Unseen Hurdle
Another sign of aMCI is persistent difficulty in planning or problem-solving. People with aMCI may struggle with tasks they once found simple and straightforward. Following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or organizing a to-do list might suddenly seem like an insurmountable challenge.
In aMCI, these difficulties aren’t limited to forgetting the steps involved. It’s about the mental effort required to plan those steps and the process of organizing thoughts logically, something that starts to require more effort than before.
While everyone has their off days where it’s hard to concentrate, persistent difficulty in planning or problem-solving could point towards aMCI. It might feel like their brain is wading through molasses, slow and resistant to move. This isn’t about mere forgetfulness but a deeper cognitive challenge in planning and problem-solving.
These struggles often seep into everyday life, turning routine tasks into daunting obstacles. Cooking a favorite recipe could become a struggle as they forget steps or mix up the ingredients. It’s not that they’ve forgotten how to cook; it’s that the planning involved suddenly seems more complex and demanding.
In aMCI, the cognitive wheels turn slower than usual, making planning and problem-solving a struggle. This symptom isn’t just about the occasional misstep but represents a significant and persistent shift in their cognitive abilities. (2)
