Memory and Thinking Concerns: A Self-Check Guide

Understanding Memory Changes: What’s Normal?

It’s normal to have days where you feel mentally sharp and upbeat, and others where you’re forgetful or struggle to focus. The occasional “brain fog” or memory lapses can be caused by:

Work-related stress
Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
Side effects of medications
Lack of sleep
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12)
Infections: UTIs or dehydration
Mental health: Anxiety or depression (i.e. especially after major life events)

While these factors are often reversible, early action can help to rule out or detect underlying conditions like signs of early dementia. Major memory changes are NOT a normal part of aging.

If you’ve noticed ongoing changes in yourself or someone close to you—like repeated questioning, forgetting recent events, mood swings, or confusion in familiar places —it’s wise to act early.

Use this checklist to help identify patterns to discuss with a doctor. It is not a medical test or a diagnostic tool.

DISCLAIMER:
This checklist helps identify patterns to discuss with your doctor. Always seek professional medical advice for concerns about yourself or a loved one.
*The checklist is adapted from global dementia awareness guidelines.

Memory and Thinking Concerns: Self-Check Guide

For you or your loved one, how Frequently have you noticed: (Not At All / Occasionally / Frequently)

Memory and Mental Ability

Struggle to recall recent events or familiar people’s names (e.g., conversations, appointments)
Difficulty learning new information
Struggle to find the right word
Difficulty judging distances or mistaking reflections or patterns for other objects
Struggle to make decisions, or making careless or risky decisions
Confusion about time/day/date/place
Asking the same question over again, or repeating phrases

Daily Activities

Putting common objects in unusual places (i.e. housekeys in the fridge)
Struggling with tasks like paying bills, counting money, planning ahead, shopping, cooking
Difficulty getting enough sleep
Getting lost in familiar places
Struggling/ losing interest in personal care hygiene/ routines

Mood and Behaviour

Becoming easily upset, irritable, or aggressive
Symptoms of depression, like feeling sad or hopeless
Symptoms of anxiety, like feeling very worried or uneasy
Losing interest in socializing or activities which you/your loved one usually enjoys
Acting inappropriately or out of character
Feeling restless or walking about
Suspicion or paranoia

Hearing & Eyesight

Any hearing problems?
Yes No Not Sure When was the last hearing test? Any eyesight problems?
Yes No Not Sure When was the last eyesight test?

Important Notes

❗ This tool is not a diagnosis. It highlights patterns to discuss with a doctor.
❗ Only a qualified healthcare provider can provide a dementia diagnosis.

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