How is cognitive impairment defined in the context of direct care?

Cognitive impairment refers to a decline in cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and the ability to process information. In the context of direct care, this defines various conditions that affect an individual's ability to reason, understand, and respond appropriately to their environment. It can impact everyday functioning, making it essential for direct care workers to identify and accommodate the needs of individuals experiencing cognitive impairments.

The other choices describe different aspects of health and capability. A refers to physical ability rather than cognitive function, while C addresses motor skills, which involves physical coordination rather than cognitive clarity. D focuses on social interaction, which, while important, does not specifically pertain to cognitive processing. Thus, the choice that accurately captures the essence of cognitive impairment is the one that highlights a decrease in the ability to think clearly and process information.