Cookie's eye sight could be going down hill. So it may be more difficult for her to know where you are now, than it was before. Or maybe she simply doesn't understand why she can't see as well as before and it is frightening. Being so young, I rule out senility. (which does happen). Has another cat come into the house hold around the time of the extra "meowing"? If so, she might be feeling "left out".She may just have figured out how to get your attention.