Worried about their memory?
10 quick questions based on the recognized warning signs of dementia. Answer for the person you're worried about — go with your gut.
This screener does not diagnose dementia or any medical condition. Only a clinician can evaluate memory changes — many causes are treatable and have nothing to do with dementia.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life?
Forgetting recently learned information, asking the same question over and over, relying heavily on notes or family for things they used to handle.
2. New trouble planning or solving problems?
Struggling to follow a familiar recipe, keep track of monthly bills, or concentrate on tasks that used to be easy.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks?
Trouble driving to a well-known place, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or place?
Losing track of dates or seasons, or sometimes forgetting where they are or how they got there.
5. New trouble with vision or judging distance?
Difficulty reading, judging distance, or telling colors apart — enough to affect driving or getting around.
6. New problems with words?
Stopping mid-sentence with no idea how to continue, repeating themselves, or calling things by the wrong name ("hand-clock" for watch).
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps?
Putting things in unusual places (keys in the freezer) and being unable to go back over their steps — sometimes accusing others of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment?
Falling for scams or giveaways, poor money decisions, or paying less attention to grooming and cleanliness.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities?
Dropping hobbies, social events, or projects — often because keeping up has become hard or embarrassing.
10. Changes in mood or personality?
Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious — especially when out of their comfort zone.