Final answer:
The expected cognitive change in older adult patients is slower reaction time. Severe symptoms like disorientation, poor judgment, and loss of language skills are signs of cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease, not normal aging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expected cognitive change in the older adult patient is slower reaction time. As people age, they often experience declines in physical and cognitive abilities. Cognitive changes can include slower processing speeds and delayed reaction times, whereas more severe symptoms like disorientation, poor judgment, and loss of language skills may be indicative of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. These more severe symptoms are not considered normal aging but are signs of more serious cognitive impairment or dementia. It is important to distinguish between normal aging processes and the symptoms of cognitive disorders when assessing the health of an older adult.