Symptoms and suggestions

If a senior family member shows regular signs of forgetfulness, they should undertake medical tests as soon as possible to assess the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. If a diagnosis is confirmed, precautions should be taken immediately.

In the early stages of dementia, peoples' memories phase in and out, but the problem can easily be missed both by the patient and those around them. People with dementia often lose their bearings.

Be aware of abnormal lapses in timekeeping.