Occasional lapses can happen
- Walking into a room and briefly forgetting why.
- Occasionally misplacing keys or glasses and finding them later.
- Taking longer to recall a name or word.
- Needing more time to learn a new device or skill.
All guides
Look after your brain
Pay attention to memory and everyday life.
Make time for learning and connection. If a change worries you, write down examples to discuss with your healthcare team.
In this guide: tools & detailed reading
Which changes should I discuss?
Occasionally taking longer to recall a name can happen. Changes that worsen or interfere with daily life deserve attention. Examples alone cannot tell you the cause.
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Repeating the same question in a short time
- New difficulty managing money or medicines you used to handle
Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking may need emergency help. Call your local emergency number.
Prepare questions for a conversationA small place to start
Make time to connect with someone
Choose a comfortable way to connect: a phone call, a shared hobby, or a community activity. Start with someone or somewhere familiar.
Keep your mind engaged in ways you enjoy
- Enjoy a book or audiobook and discuss it with someone.
- Explore a language, instrument, or skill that interests you.
- Share something you know or enjoy a hobby together.
A puzzle or game score is not a memory assessment. No particular activity guarantees dementia prevention.
Look at the rest of your health, too
Discuss blood pressure, diabetes care, sleep, activity, hearing, vision, and medicines with your healthcare team. If helping a family member, ask their permission and bring observations with dates and examples.
Keep exploring
The details behind everyday choices
Read as much as you like, and print the sections you want to return to.
Normal forgetfulness and changes to discuss
Memory can change with age. The effect on everyday life, the pattern, and whether it is getting worse matter. A checklist or game cannot diagnose or rule out dementia.
Arrange an assessment for concerning changes
- Getting lost in familiar places.
- Repeating the same questions in a short time.
- Difficulty handling bills, money, or medicines you previously managed.
- Repeatedly missing appointments or forgetting recent events.
- New personality or mood changes that concern you or people close to you.
Bring examples, not a self-diagnosis
Record what happened, when it began, and the effect on daily tasks. Bring your medicine list and mention sleep, mood, hearing, and vision. Some causes of memory difficulty are treatable. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking needs emergency help.
Read the sources
Six areas you can influence
These habits support overall health and may support cognitive health. They cannot guarantee that dementia will be prevented. Choose one area you would like help with.
Hearing
Ask about changes in hearing and suitable treatment or communication aids. Better hearing can make conversations and participation easier. Testing intervals should fit your needs.
Physical activity
Use the movement guide to combine suitable aerobic, strength, and balance activities. Start with your current abilities and build gradually.
Social connection
Keep in touch through calls, groups, volunteering, or a faith community. Choose people and activities that feel meaningful to you.
Blood pressure
Follow your clinician’s monitoring and treatment plan. Ask about a target and what to do if you feel dizzy or readings change.
Blood sugar
If you have diabetes, work with your care team on food, activity, monitoring, and medicines. Your goals should fit your health and daily life.
Smoking
Quitting helps health at any age. Ask about counseling and treatments that can make stopping more manageable.
Read the sources
Keep your mind engaged
Choose activities you enjoy or would like to try. Puzzles are recreation, and performance is not a health score. You can use large print, audio, captions, or a companion.
Select ideas you want to remember. Selections stay on this page only.
Follow the sources
Guide updated: September 14, 2026
An educational guide, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Discuss choices with your healthcare team. Source organizations do not endorse this site.