Which of the following may be an early sign of neurocognitive disorders?

Occasional forgetfulness can indeed be considered an early sign of neurocognitive disorders. In the context of these disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, individuals may begin to experience memory lapses, including misplacing items or forgetting appointments. This type of forgetfulness might seem minor initially, but it can signal a decline in cognitive functioning, which is a central aspect of neurocognitive disorders.

In contrast, frequent social interactions, the ability to recognize familiar places, and consistent learning of new skills are typically indicative of healthy cognitive functioning. Engaging socially and maintaining recognition of environments are behaviors associated with intact cognitive capabilities, while the ability to learn new skills suggests that a person's cognitive functions are still operating effectively. Therefore, while occasional forgetfulness may raise concern and prompt further evaluation, the other options reflect positive cognitive attributes rather than signs of decline.