Forgetting is not always dementia
It is normal to forget a name or walk into a room and wonder why. As we get older, the brain can take a little longer to recall things. That is not dementia.
Dementia is different. Alzheimer’s Society explains that with dementia:
- problems keep getting worse, often noticeably over months
- they start to affect everyday life
- other people may notice the changes more than the person does
Memory problems also have many other causes, such as stress, low mood, poor sleep and some medicines. See other causes of memory loss.
Normal ageing vs possible dementia
This table draws on examples from Alzheimer’s Society. It is a rough guide only. It cannot tell you whether you or someone else has dementia.
| Area | More likely to be normal ageing | Could be a sign of dementia |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Forgetting the name of someone you rarely see. Misplacing keys or glasses | Forgetting recent conversations. Asking the same question again and again. Putting things in odd places, such as keys in the fridge |
| Planning and decisions | Needing more time to think things through. Making an occasional mistake with a bill | Struggling to follow a familiar recipe. Difficulty managing money or paying bills |
| Language | Sometimes struggling to find the right word | Often losing words. Finding it hard to follow a conversation |
| Orientation | Briefly forgetting what day it is, then remembering | Losing track of the date, season or passage of time. Getting lost in a familiar place |
| Vision and perception | Needing new glasses | Misjudging distances or steps. Mistaking a reflection for another person |
| Mood and behaviour | Feeling fed up now and then | Withdrawing from people and hobbies. Becoming unusually anxious, low or easily upset |
| Technology and new things | Taking longer to learn a new phone | Being unable to use familiar devices you used to manage easily |
Early signs by area
Memory
The NHS lists memory loss as a common early symptom. Early on, it is usually memory for recent events that is affected. A person may remember their wedding day clearly but not what they did this morning.
Signs include:
- forgetting appointments or events more often
- repeating stories or questions
- relying more and more on notes and reminders
- losing things and not being able to retrace steps
Thinking, planning and concentration
The NHS mentions difficulty concentrating and trouble with familiar daily tasks. An example is getting confused over the correct change when shopping. Other signs include:
- finding it hard to follow the plot of a TV programme
- struggling with tasks that involve several steps, such as cooking a meal
- taking much longer to make decisions
Language and communication
- stopping mid-sentence and losing track
- using the wrong word, or describing an object instead of naming it
- finding group conversations hard to follow
Orientation
- confusion about the time, date or place
- getting lost on a familiar route
- forgetting where they are going or why
Vision and perception
Some types of dementia affect how the brain makes sense of what the eyes see. Signs include difficulty reading, judging stairs or parking a car. This is more common in some rarer types and in younger people.
Mood, behaviour and personality
The NHS lists mood changes as an early symptom. A person may:
- become anxious, low or irritable
- lose interest in hobbies or socialising
- act out of character, such as being tactless or impulsive
Changes in behaviour or personality can be the first sign of frontotemporal dementia.
When to see a GP
The NHS advises seeing a GP sooner rather than later if you are worried about memory problems or other symptoms. It also says to see a GP if memory problems are affecting daily life.
Book an appointment if:
- memory or thinking problems are getting worse
- changes are affecting work, money, driving, cooking or getting around
- family or friends have noticed changes and are worried
- you are worried, even if you are not sure
The NHS advises not to try to diagnose the cause of memory loss yourself. A GP can check for treatable causes and refer you on if needed. See getting a diagnosis.
Worried about someone else?
Talking to someone about memory worries can be difficult. The NHS suggests:
- choosing a familiar, calm place and allowing plenty of time
- thinking about why they might be reluctant, such as fear or feeling it is just age
- offering to go with them to the GP
With the person’s agreement, you can go into the appointment with them. You can also write down what you have noticed and share it with the GP.
If the person will not see a GP, you can still get advice. The NHS points to Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 and the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. See support and helplines.
Keeping a symptom diary
Before a GP appointment, it can help to write down:
- what changes you have noticed, with real examples
- when they started, and whether they are getting worse
- whether they came on slowly or suddenly
- how they affect daily life
- any other health problems, recent illness or falls
- all medicines, including ones bought over the counter
- any family history of dementia
- changes in mood, sleep or alcohol use
This helps the GP get a clear picture quickly. Alzheimer’s Society also offers a symptoms checklist on its website.
Looking after yourself while you wait
Waiting to find out what is wrong can be worrying. Keep active, stay in touch with people and try to keep a routine. If worry is affecting your sleep or mood, tell your GP. For a listening ear, see support and helplines.