Dementia or simple forgetfulness? The vital checklist for telling the difference…

When was the last time you have a “seniors moment”? Most of us have all searched the house for the glasses we’re already wearing or forgotten an old friend’s name at one point. But does age really have anything to do with it?

The fact is, many of us had these same moments when we were 25 – it’s a simple part of being human. Yet there are other forgetful moments that could be a warning sign for a frankly terrifying brain condition.

When, then, should we draw the line between normal and worrying?

The Daily Mail recently spoke with multiple experts across the field to compile this helpful list of normal memory lapses, small concerns and potential signs of dementia. While by no means definitive signs of the illness, we strongly recommend checking in with your GP if there is any concern.

Normal, everyday forgetfulness

• Briefly forgetting a very common word.
• Forgetting to call somebody back.
• Putting something down, then forgetting where you left it.
• Forgetting why you went upstairs.
• Taking a while to find your parked car.
• Forgetting trivial details from a conversation yesterday.
• Struggling to remember the name of somebody you just met.

Possible causes for concern

• When multitasking becomes overwhelming for an activity you’re already familiar with
• Problems recognising basic shapes, colours or faces.
• Changes in personality (such as turning from a social person into a recluse)
• Forgetting where you parked you car on a more regular basis
• Forgetting the name of an old friend
• Asking a question, briefly forgetting you’d already asked it an hour ago.
• Finding objects in the wrong place without any memory of leaving them there in the first place.

Potential dementia signs to tell your doctor

• Realising your childhood memories are vivid, but you have trouble remembering a grandchild’s name.
• Asking for a cup of tea, forgetting you’ve just had one.
• Forgetting how to perform a fundamental everyday task.
• Forgetting basic family details, such as which spouse or grandchild belongs to which of your children.
• Strange judgements
• Forgetting the purpose of everyday objects
• Leaving items in far stranger places than usual – such as a phone in the fridge or a toaster under the bed.
• Feelings of disorientation in places you should find familiar.

Are you worried about the risk of dementia? Do you experience “normal” forgetfulness listed here, or is there some cause for concern?