1. Memory loss
Example: Forgetting where you placed your car keys or the name of someone you recently met.
2. Difficulty remembering words or speaking
Example: Called expressive aphasia, it means you might notice a struggle to find the right words during a conversation or the use of vague words.
3. Understanding what people are saying
Example: Having difficulty following instructions or understanding the details of a conversation.
4. Changes in mood or behaviour
Example: Experiencing mood swings without an obvious cause or displaying uncharacteristic behaviors.
5. Difficulty with familiar/everyday tasks
Example: Having trouble following a familiar recipe or forgetting the steps in a routine task like putting away dishes.
6. Hallucinations (depending on diagnosis)
Example: You might notice hallucinations with some types of dementia.
7. Getting confused with time or place
Example: Forgetting the day of the week or getting lost in a familiar area.
8. Misplacing things
Example: Putting items in unusual places, like a TV remote in the fridge.
9. Difficulties understanding visual and spatial information
Example: Struggling with depth perception or recognizing landmarks.
10. Decline in decision-making and judgements
Example: Going out in bad storms unnecessarily or making unwise financial decisions like forgetting to pay bills.