1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Forgetting information you have recently learnt

• Forgetting important dates or events, e.g. birthdays and appointments

• Asking the same question repeatedly

• Having to rely more on memory aids, e.g. sticky notes, reminders

Normal ageing: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.

2) Difficulty planning or solving problems

• Problems following a plan, e.g. a familiar recipe

• Difficulty with numbers, e.g. tracking monthly expenses

• Taking longer to do things than before

Normal ageing: Making occasional mistakes when managing finances or household bills.

3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks 

• At work, e.g. arranging a meeting

• At home, e.g. writing a grocery list, driving to familiar locations

• For leisure, e.g. following the rules of games such as mahjong and golf

Normal ageing: Occasionally needing help to use an electrical appliance or forgetting an item from the grocery list.

4) Confusion with time or place

• Trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately

• Forgetting where you are or how you got there

Normal ageing: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5) Trouble understanding pictures and distance

• Difficulty reading

• Problems judging distance, e.g. when parking a car

• Problems seeing colours or contrast affecting driving ability

Normal ageing: Poor vision caused by eye conditions such as cataracts

6) Problems with speaking or writing

• Trouble following a conversation

• Stopping in the middle of a conversation

• Difficulty finding the right word and/or names of familiar objects

Normal ageing: Sometimes having problems finding the right word, especially words that are not used often.

7) Misplacing items

• Losing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them again

• May accuse others of stealing, especially as dementia progresses

Normal ageing: Misplacing things such as keys or pens from time to time and being able to retrace steps to find them

8) Decreased or poor judgement

• Poor judgement when dealing with money

• Paying less attention to self-care and grooming

Normal ageing: Making a mistake once in a while

9) Withdrawal from work or social activities

• Giving up usual hobbies

• Avoiding usual social activities with family or friends

Normal ageing: Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social gatherings

10) Changes in mood and personality

• Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious

• Easily upset or agitated

Normal ageing: Has a usual way of doing things and becoming irritated when routine is disrupted.

If you or a loved one displays any of the above-mentioned signs, do visit your family doctor or a polyclinic for further assessment.

Watch the video!

Ref: K21

Check out other articles on dementia:

6 Natural Ways to Prevent Dementia

7 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp

Young Onset Dementia: Dementia That Affects the Young

Dementia in Singapore: Fast Facts

Dementia: What You Need to Know

Dementia Caregiver Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Dementia and Depression: Is There a Link?

Brain Diseases: Early Signs to Look Out For