Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly forgotten why you went there? Or perhaps you struggled to remember someone's name, misplaced your keys or forgot where you left your phone?
These little moments happen to almost everyone, especially when we are tired, stressed or distracted. But when memory problems become frequent, interfere with everyday life and are accompanied by changes in thinking, communication or behaviour, they may be signs of something more serious.
One condition that deserves our attention is dementia.
Dementia is not simply "old age" or ordinary forgetfulness. It is a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Although age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing. (World Health Organization)
And here's something encouraging: while not every case of dementia can be prevented, there are things we can do throughout life to support our brain health and potentially reduce our risk.
Let's take a closer look.
What exactly is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases and conditions that damage the brain and progressively affect cognitive function.
A person with dementia may experience difficulties with:
Memory
Concentration
Reasoning
Communication
Problem-solving
Decision-making
Movement
Mood and behaviour
Performing familiar daily activities
Dementia can gradually affect a person's independence, relationships and quality of life. It can also place considerable emotional, physical and financial pressure on family members and caregivers. Importantly, dementia is not one specific disease. It is a syndrome that can result from different diseases affecting the brain.
Is Alzheimer's disease the same as dementia?
Not exactly.
Think of dementia as an umbrella and Alzheimer's disease as one of the conditions underneath that umbrella.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–70% of cases. Other forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Some people can also have more than one type of dementia-related brain disease.
What are the early signs of dementia?
Dementia can develop gradually, so the early signs may be easy to overlook. One occasional memory lapse doesn't automatically mean dementia. The bigger concern is when changes become persistent and start interfering with normal life.
Some possible warning signs include:
Increasing forgetfulness
Someone may repeatedly forget recently learned information, appointments, conversations or important events.
They may ask the same question several times because they don't remember asking it previously.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
A person may suddenly struggle with activities they have performed countless times before.
For example, they might have difficulty following a familiar recipe, managing money or operating a familiar household appliance.
Getting confused about time or place
Someone may lose track of dates, seasons or where they are.
They might become confused about how they arrived somewhere or have difficulty finding their way around a familiar environment.
Problems finding the right words
Occasionally forgetting a word is normal.
However, persistent difficulty following conversations, finding common words or expressing thoughts clearly may deserve medical attention.
Misplacing things frequently
Someone may put objects in unusual places and then be unable to retrace their steps.
For example, they may place their keys in the refrigerator and genuinely be unable to work out how they got there.
Difficulty making decisions
A person may begin struggling with planning, managing money, solving everyday problems or making decisions that previously came naturally.
Changes in mood or personality
Dementia can sometimes be accompanied by changes in personality, behaviour or mood.
Someone who was previously outgoing may become withdrawn, suspicious, anxious or unusually irritable.
Losing interest in normal activities
A person may gradually withdraw from hobbies, social activities or things they previously enjoyed.
Difficulty understanding visual information
Some types of dementia can affect the ability to judge distances, recognise objects or navigate spaces.
Increasing difficulty with everyday independence
As dementia progresses, a person may need increasing assistance with dressing, bathing, cooking, taking medication or managing other daily activities.
These symptoms can have causes other than dementia, which is why persistent changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosed.
What causes dementia?
There isn't one single cause.
Different types of dementia are associated with different changes or damage within the brain. For example, Alzheimer's disease is associated with abnormal changes involving proteins in the brain. Vascular dementia can occur when problems with blood vessels reduce blood flow to parts of the brain.
Other diseases can also affect the brain and contribute to dementia. This is one reason why proper medical evaluation is important.
Who is at risk of developing dementia?
Age is the strongest known risk factor, but dementia can affect people for different reasons and at different ages. Some risk factors cannot be changed. These include increasing age and certain genetic or family factors.
However, researchers have also identified several modifiable risk factors — things that can potentially be changed or managed. According to the WHO's updated 2026 recommendations, these include factors such as physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, social isolation and exposure to air pollution. Hearing loss is also an important factor to address.
This is good news because it means that looking after your brain doesn't have to begin when you are elderly. Brain health is a lifelong project.
Can dementia be prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, and some causes cannot currently be avoided.
However, the WHO's 2026 guidelines indicate that up to 45% of dementia risk may be attributable to potentially modifiable factors, meaning that addressing certain lifestyle and health factors may help prevent or delay some cases. (World Health Organization)
That doesn't mean that everyone who exercises and eats well will avoid dementia. It simply means that the choices we make can contribute to better brain and overall health.
8 habits that may help protect your brain
Keep your body moving
Regular physical activity isn't just good for your waistline. It supports cardiovascular health and overall brain health too. Find activities you enjoy — walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, gardening or exercising at home can all be ways to stay active. The important thing is to avoid a consistently sedentary lifestyle.
Eat for your overall health
A healthy diet can support both heart and brain health. Aim for a varied diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, healthy sources of protein and other nutrient-rich foods. Instead of searching for one magical "brain food", think about your overall eating pattern.
Keep your blood pressure under control
High blood pressure is associated with increased dementia risk. Regular health checks can help you know your numbers and allow you to address problems early.
Manage diabetes and cholesterol
Conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol can affect blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health. If you have either condition, work with your healthcare professional to manage it properly.
Don't smoke
Smoking is harmful to cardiovascular and brain health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the positive steps you can take for your overall health.
Limit harmful alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the brain and overall health. If you drink, moderation is important.
Stay socially connected
Your brain benefits from engagement. Spend time with family and friends, participate in your community, learn something new, volunteer or simply have meaningful conversations.
Social connection can be part of a healthy lifestyle and is included among the areas addressed in the WHO's dementia risk-reduction guidance.
Keep your mind active
Learning doesn't have to stop when you leave school.
Reading, learning a language, playing an instrument, solving puzzles, developing a new skill or engaging in mentally stimulating activities can keep you intellectually engaged.
The WHO's updated recommendations include cognitive training and cognitive stimulation among interventions considered for people with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.
What about supplements for dementia prevention?
This is an important one, especially in the wellness space. You may see products advertised as "brain boosters" or supplements that promise to prevent dementia. Be careful with these claims.
The WHO's 2026 guidelines do not recommend vitamin B or E supplements, omega-3 supplements or multivitamin/mineral supplements specifically for dementia risk reduction when there is no diagnosed deficiency, because evidence of benefit is insufficient.
That doesn't mean vitamins are useless. Someone with a genuine nutritional deficiency may need supplementation. The key point is that supplements should not replace a healthy lifestyle or medical care, and "natural" doesn't automatically mean effective.
When should you see a doctor?
Don't ignore significant or persistent changes in memory or thinking. If you notice that you or someone you love is increasingly:
- Forgetting important information
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Struggling with everyday tasks
- Repeating questions
- Having unusual personality or behavioural changes
- Finding it difficult to communicate
- Struggling to manage finances or medications ... it's worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
There are several possible causes of memory and thinking problems, and not all of them are dementia. A medical evaluation may include a health and medication history, cognitive or mental-status testing, physical and neurological examinations and, when appropriate, laboratory tests or brain imaging. Early assessment can also help people and families understand what is happening and make appropriate plans for care and support.
Can dementia be treated?
At present, there is no universal cure for dementia. However, "there is no cure" does not mean "there is nothing that can be done." Depending on the type and stage of dementia, treatment and support may include medications, management of other medical conditions, cognitive and physical activities, behavioural support, safety measures and assistance for caregivers.
For Alzheimer's disease specifically, some treatments can help slow cognitive and functional decline in appropriate people with early disease, while other medicines and non-drug approaches may help manage symptoms. This is another reason why getting an accurate diagnosis matters.
Caring for someone with dementia
Dementia doesn't affect only the person diagnosed. It affects spouses, children, siblings, friends and caregivers too. Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically exhausting. A caregiver may have to deal with repeated questions, changes in behaviour, sleep difficulties, safety concerns and the gradual loss of the person's independence.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, remember this:
You need care too. Ask family members for help when possible. Take breaks. Speak with healthcare professionals. Connect with caregiver support groups or community resources.
And perhaps most importantly, try to remember that the behaviour you are seeing may be a symptom of the disease rather than a deliberate attempt to frustrate you. Dementia should never be a reason to lose someone's dignity
A dementia diagnosis can be frightening. But a person living with dementia is still a person with feelings, preferences, memories, relationships and dignity. Instead of constantly correcting them, embarrassing them or speaking about them as though they aren't present, try to communicate patiently and respectfully.
Give them time to respond.
Keep familiar routines where possible.
Create a safe environment.
Include them in conversations and decisions whenever they are able to participate.
And remember the person behind the diagnosis.
The bottom line
Dementia is much more than forgetfulness.
It is a group of conditions that can progressively affect memory, thinking, behaviour and independence. Although age is the biggest known risk factor, dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older. We cannot control every factor that influences our dementia risk. But we can control many of the things that support our health like staying physically active, eating well, managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, limiting harmful alcohol use, staying socially connected and keeping our minds engaged.
And if significant changes in memory or thinking appear, don't simply dismiss them as "old age."
Your brain deserves a check-up too.
A gentle reminder
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent changes in memory, thinking, behaviour or daily functioning, speak with a qualified healthcare professional for proper assessment. Until then, take care of yourself
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