Let’s Talk About Aging: Aging and Cognition

Learn the difference between typical brain changes and concerning cognitive decline. Expert insights from TheKey’s clinical team help families understand when to seek support.

Is It Just Aging or Something More? Here’s What to Know

Dr. Shadi Gholizadeh, our Senior Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Quality, explains that some brain changes are completely normal as we age. Some examples of typical versus atypical changes:

Typical:

Taking longer to remember a name or word
Needing more time to learn new technology
Occasionally misplacing keys or glasses

Atypical:

Forgetting how to do familiar tasks
Getting lost or disoriented in well-known places
Major personality changes
Trouble managing money or medications

The key difference? Typical aging doesn’t interfere with daily independence, while concerning changes do.

For families navigating these questions: You’re not alone. Our care teams work with families every day to create supportive environments that promote independence while ensuring safety.

Shadi Gholizadeh, PhD, MPH, MSc, CMC

Shadi Gholizadeh, PhD, MPH, is Senior Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Quality at TheKey. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Gholizadeh leads TheKey’s enterprise-wide efforts to elevate quality, advance clinical strategy, and support both family and professional caregivers through training, programming, and research-informed guidance. She brings a rich background in behavioral medicine and public health, with clinical expertise in aging in place, dementia care, and helping individuals and families adapt to the challenges of chronic illness with dignity and compassion.

Dr. Gholizadeh received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Stanford University, and completed graduate training at the London School of Economics and UC San Diego. In addition to her work at TheKey, she serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at UCLA, where she supervises doctoral students in psychological assessment. She also maintains a small private practice supporting high-achieving professionals who are navigating the complexities of midlife, including caring for aging parents while raising children—the so-called "sandwich generation."