stage: 1

It's not memory loss. The clearest indicator of dementia is something most families overlook

The biggest indicator of dementia is usually a clear decline in daily functioning. This means the person is no longer managing familiar tasks as well as before, such as finances, cooking, medication, or getting around safely. Memory loss is important, but the effect on everyday life is often the clearest clue. You may notice your parent needs more reminders or support than they used to. When thinking problems are persistent and progressive, a doctor should assess them. Other causes can sometimes look similar, so proper evaluation matters.