Forgetting a name now and then is a normal part of aging. But some changes in memory and thinking are not a normal part of aging - they can be early signs of dementia. Knowing the difference helps families get answers sooner, when there's the most room to plan.
Normal aging vs. possible warning signs
Occasionally forgetting where you put your keys, or briefly blanking on a word, is typical. It becomes a possible warning sign when the pattern changes how someone functions day to day.
Typically normal
Occasionally forgetting names · Losing a train of thought briefly · Misplacing items sometimes · Needing a moment to find a word
Worth a doctor's visit
Forgetting recently learned information often · Getting lost in familiar places · Trouble following a recipe or paying bills · Withdrawing from hobbies or social life
Source: National Institute on Aging, Understanding Memory Loss.
Ten early signs to watch for
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood or personality
Source: Alzheimer's Association, 10 Early Signs and Symptoms.
What to do if you notice these signs
Start with a conversation, then a doctor's visit. A primary care physician can run a cognitive screening and rule out other causes - medication interactions, thyroid issues, depression, and vitamin deficiencies can all cause similar symptoms and are often treatable.
Bring specific examples, not just a general feeling that something is off. "She's called me the wrong name twice this month" is more useful to a doctor than "she seems off lately."
Safety comes first, even before a diagnosis
While you're getting answers, a few precautions matter regardless of the eventual diagnosis: reduce fall hazards, keep medications organized and supervised, and have a plan for what happens if your loved one wanders or gets disoriented outside the home.