Final answer:
Cognitive changes resulting in forgotten appointments and word-finding difficulties, like in Madeline's case, might suggest the onset of a neurocognitive disorder, requiring comprehensive medical evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Madeline's difficulties with forgetting appointments and finding the right words can be attributed to cognitive changes that could signify mild cognitive impairment or the early stages of a neurocognitive disorder like Alzheimer's disease. Memory errors such as absentmindedness and blocking can often be normal, but when they become frequent and impact daily living tasks, it might indicate an underlying issue. A variety of factors, including neurological, environmental, and nutritional, can influence cognitive function, and a thorough medical evaluation that includes physical exams, cognitive testing, and potentially brain imaging is required to determine the cause and extend of these cognitive changes.