Answer the following questions to help determine if the memory issues in the person you are caring for may be signs of early dementia and not just normal cognitive memory loss.

1. Does he/she often repeat him/herself or ask the same questions over and over?

2. Does he/she have trouble finding the words he/she wants to say, finishing his/her sentences, or naming people or things?

3. Is he/she more forgetful, as in with short-term memory? 

4. Are there concerns about his/her driving? ie: getting lost, unsafe driving, or had to stop already.

5. Does he/she need reminders to do things like chores, shopping, or taking medicine?

6. Has he/she become irritable, agitated, suspicious, or started seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real?

7. Does he/she forget appointments, family occasions, or holidays?

8. Has he/she started needing help eating, dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom?

9. Does he/she seem sad, depressed, or cry more often than in the past?

10. Has he/she lost interest in his/her usual activities such as hobbies, reading, attending church or other social activities?

11. Has he/she started having trouble doing calculations, managing finances, or balancing the checkbook?

Answer yes or no to the 11 questions above, more than 5 “yes” answers may suggest the presence of dementia.  

Print this out and show the doctor if you feel there are enough signs that suggest dementia may be present.

And then call us when it is time to receive more care.