Everyone forgets things, and some slowing down is a normal part of aging. The difference is whether the changes disrupt daily life and whether they are new and getting worse. Below are the Alzheimer's Association's ten warning signs, each next to a typical age-related change.
Tick anything you've noticed — in yourself or someone else. This is not a test and gives no score. It helps you describe what you've seen to a doctor.
Worth checkingForgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions over and over, relying more and more on notes or family.
Typical with ageSometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
Worth checkingDifficulty following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or working with numbers.
Typical with ageMaking an occasional error when managing finances.
Worth checkingTrouble driving to a familiar place, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Typical with ageOccasionally needing help with microwave settings or recording a TV show.
Worth checkingLosing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time; forgetting where they are or how they got there.
Typical with ageGetting confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out later.
Worth checkingProblems with balance, reading, judging distance, or telling colors apart — which can affect driving.
Typical with ageVision changes from cataracts.
Worth checkingStopping mid-conversation with no idea how to continue; calling things by the wrong name (a “hand-clock” for a watch).
Typical with ageSometimes having trouble finding the right word.
Worth checkingPutting things in unusual places and being unable to find them; sometimes accusing others of stealing.
Typical with ageMisplacing things now and then and retracing steps to find them.
Worth checkingGiving large sums to telemarketers or scams, or paying less attention to grooming and hygiene.
Typical with ageMaking a bad decision once in a while.
Worth checkingPulling back from hobbies, social events or conversations because keeping up is hard.
Typical with ageSometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Worth checkingBecoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious; easily upset at home, with friends, or out of their comfort zone.
Typical with ageDeveloping very specific ways of doing things and being irritable when a routine is disrupted.
What to do next
- Write down examples with dates: “Forgot the stove twice in March.” Specific examples help doctors far more than “she's forgetful.”
- Make an appointment with a primary care doctor. Medicare's yearly wellness visit includes a check of memory and thinking.
- Bring a list of every medicine, including over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements.
- If it's someone else, raise it gently and privately, and frame it as a health check: “I'd feel better if we got this looked at.”
Sudden confusion is different. If confusion comes on over hours or days, it may be delirium — a medical emergency. Learn the difference.
Sources
Reviewed September 2026. Education only — not medical, legal or financial advice.