When should you go for a check-up?

Getting a diagnosis as early as possible can help you plan your life with dementia and may delay the progression of the disease. However, the early signs are often overlooked or downplayed.

The brochure on recognising and assessing memory problems and accepting help linked below explains how to recognise the first signs of memory problems and what steps are necessary to determine the causes:

Brochure on memory problems – Ministry of Social Affairs

Possible signs of dementia

Below you will find a list of signs that may indicate dementia. However, many of these symptoms can also have other causes. For example, a thyroid disorder or a lack of nutrients can be responsible, and these triggers can be addressed with appropriate treatment. There are also other possible signs not listed here. It is important to have all these symptoms evaluated by a doctor promptly.

  • You cannot remember conversations or events that happened recently.
    • Example: Your neighbour asks you if the operation you told them about last week went well. You cannot remember talking to the neighbour about it.
    • Example: You live alone, buy milk and then see at home that you still have 3 cartons of milk left. You cannot remember buying these 3 other cartons.
    • Example: The chiropodist comes to see you. You cannot remember making such an appointment
  • You often struggle to think of the right words, or you have trouble listening to long conversations.
    • Example: You have to think about the name of the device you need to read. You cannot think of the word "glasses".
    • Example: Your grandson tells you about his graduation trip. In the evening, you want to tell your husband the grandson's stories, but you cannot think of any details.
    • Example: You often lose track in a conversation and struggle to remember what you actually wanted to say.
  • Your concentration decreases.
    • Example: You find it difficult to prepare meals that you have been cooking for a long time.
    • Example: You have struggle to pay the exact amount at the till.
    • Example: You can no longer remember the exact rules of a card game that you have played often.

Your relatives may also notice changes in you:

  • You withdraw and avoid meeting up with friends, for example.
  • You are irritable, aggressive or sad without any particular reason.
  • You often repeat yourself.
  • You call things by the wrong name or cannot find a word for them.
  • You forget appointments.
  • The stove is on even though no one is cooking.
  • You often lose the track of the conversation.
  • You put your keys in the fridge or your wallet in the letterbox.
  • You unconsciously dress too warmly or too lightly for the weather.

Last updated: June 25, 2025