Worried someone close to you is losing their memory?

Many people suffer from memory loss as they get older. But if it starts to happen on a regular basis, it could be the early signs of dementia.

What should I look for?

Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. The symptoms include:

• memory loss, such as remembering past events much more easily than recent ones
• problems thinking or reasoning, or finding it hard to follow conversations or TV programmes
• feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss, or feeling confused, even when in a familiar environment

What should I do?

If you’re worried about someone who is showing the signs above, encourage them to visit their GP to get a proper diagnosis. Use the link at the top of the page to find your GP.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides tips on how to raise the topic of dementia with a loved one.