September is World Alzheimer's Month including dementia: Warning signs of dementia

In most cases, dementia symptoms progress gradually over years. The early signs, usually memory problems, may not be immediately obvious.

Symptoms vary and forgetting things is a normal part of aging, but those with dementia often have one or more of the following:

* memory problems (short-term);
* diminished ability to plan activities;
* problems with language and communication;
* general confusion, disorientation in time and/or place;
* difficulty with abstract thinking, lapses in judgment;
* difficulty performing a familiar activity;
* misplacing objects and problems keeping track of things;
* behaviour and personality changes;
* sudden mood swings;
* challenges in understanding visual and spatial information; and
* loss of initiative and or apathy.

More information.