When should you go for a check-up?

To help you plan your life with dementia and delay the progression of the disease, it makes sense to get a diagnosis as early as possible. However, early signs are often not recognized or are suppressed.

In the brochure "Memory problems? Recognize, clarify and accept help", people with dementia explain how to recognize the first signs of memory problems and what steps are necessary for clarification:

Brochure - Memory problems? Recognize, clarify and accept help

Possible signs of dementia

Here you will find a list of signs that may indicate dementia. However, many of these signs can also have other causes. For example, a thyroid disorder or a lack of nutrients can cause them. Such triggers can be eliminated with the right treatment. There are also other possible signs that are not listed here. It is important to get all signs checked out by a doctor quickly:

  • You can't remember conversations or events that happened recently.
    • Example: Your neighbour asks you if the operation you told her about last week went well. You can't 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 packs.
    • Example: The chiropodist comes to see you. You can't remember making such an appointment
  • You often can't 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 can't 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 can't think of any details.
    • Example: You often lose the thread of the conversation and can't remember what you actually wanted to say.
  • Your concentration wanes.
    • Example: You find it difficult to prepare food that you have been cooking for a long time.
    • Example: You have difficulty paying the exact amount at the till.
    • Example: You can no longer remember the exact rules of a card game that you have often played.

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 having an exact reason for it.
  • You often repeat yourself.
  • You call things by the wrong name or can't find a word for them.
  • They forget appointments.
  • The stove is on even though no one is cooking.
  • They often lose the thread of the conversation.
  • You put your keys in the fridge or your wallet in the letterbox.
  • You unconsciously dress too warm or too cold.

Last updated: June 25, 2025