The presence of any of the warning signs of dementia listed below generally indicates the need for further assessment for the presence of dementia (CDC, 2019):

Memory loss that disrupts daily life:

  • forgetting events
  • repeating oneself 
  • relying on more aids to help remember (like sticky notes or electronic reminders such as cell phone alarms and digital notes apps)

Challenges in planning or solving problems:

  • having trouble paying bills
  • cooking recipes that have been used for years

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure:

  • having problems with cooking
  • driving places
  • using a cell phone
  • shopping

Confusion with time or place:

  • having trouble understanding an event that is happening later 
  • losing track of dates 

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations:

  • having more difficulty with balance or judging distance
  • tripping over things at home
  • spilling or dropping things more often

New problems with words in speaking or writing:

  • having trouble following or joining a conversation 
  • struggling to find a word you are looking for (saying “that thing on your wrist that tells time” instead of “watch”)

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps:

  • placing car keys in the washer or dryer
  • not being able to retrace steps to find something

Decreased or poor judgment:

  • being a victim of a scam 
  • not managing money well 
  • paying less attention to hygiene
  • having trouble taking care of a pet

Withdrawal from work or social activities:

  • not wanting to engage in usual activities
  • not being able to follow sports games or understand what’s happening

Changes in mood and personality:

  • getting easily upset in common situations 
  • being fearful or suspicious 


Kickstart | Approaches to Implement

Overview | Discuss Brain Health | Engage in Conversations About Protective Actions | Address Diverse Life Experiences | Discuss Memory and Cognition | Observe for Signs and Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment | Listen for Patient and Family Concerns About Cognition | Address Any Sensory Loss and Use Effective Communication Strategies | Use Health Questionnaires | Use Electronic Health Records | Primary Prevention Recommendations for Reducing Risk of Cognitive Decline | Warning Signs That Might Indicate Dementia | Resources for Patients About Brain Health | Kickstart References