Worried about memory changes in yourself or a loved one? Dr. Annie Khurana explains the early signs of dementia, how it differs from normal aging, and when to schedule a memory evaluation.

One of the most common concerns I hear from patients and families here in Sun City is a quiet one, often mentioned at the end of a visit: "I've been more forgetful lately. Should I be worried?" It's a question that takes courage to ask, and it deserves a thoughtful answer. The truth is that some memory change is a normal part of aging — but certain patterns are not, and recognizing the difference early can make a meaningful difference in a person's health, safety, and quality of life.

As a board-certified geriatrician at Pinnacle Health in Sun City, Arizona, I've walked alongside many West Valley families through the process of evaluating memory concerns. This guide explains what dementia is, the early warning signs to watch for, and when it's time to schedule an evaluation.

What Is Dementia — and What It Isn't

Dementia is not a single disease. It's an umbrella term for a decline in memory, reasoning, language, or other thinking skills severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, but vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Just as important: dementia is not normal aging. Occasionally misplacing your glasses, needing a moment to recall a name, or walking into a room and forgetting why — these are common experiences at every age, and they tend to increase modestly as we get older. The key distinction is that normal age-related changes don't disrupt your ability to live independently. Dementia does.

It's also worth knowing that some memory problems aren't dementia at all. Thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, sleep apnea, medication side effects, and even dehydration — a real concern in our Arizona heat — can all mimic dementia symptoms. Many of these are treatable, which is one of the strongest reasons to seek an evaluation early rather than assume the worst.

Ten Early Warning Signs to Watch For

Based on guidance from the Alzheimer's Association and what I see in practice, these are the signs that warrant attention:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or asking the same question repeatedly — especially when it's a change from the person's baseline.
Difficulty with planning or problem-solving. Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing monthly bills, or keeping track of medications.
Struggling with familiar tasks. Getting confused driving to a well-known place like the grocery store on Bell Road, or forgetting the rules of a favorite card game at the rec center.
Losing track of time or place. Confusion about the date, season, or where they are and how they got there.
Vision and spatial difficulties. Trouble judging distance or reading, which can affect driving safety.
New problems with words. Stopping mid-conversation and being unable to continue, or calling things by the wrong name.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Putting items in unusual places — car keys in the freezer — and sometimes accusing others of taking them.
Decreased or poor judgment. Falling for scams, giving away large sums of money, or paying less attention to grooming and hygiene.
Withdrawal from work or social activities. Dropping out of clubs, hobbies, or social engagements — often because keeping up has become difficult.
Changes in mood or personality. Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious, especially outside of a familiar routine.

One sign alone doesn't mean dementia. But if you notice several of these — or if any one of them is progressing — it's time to talk with a doctor.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Families sometimes delay seeking help because they fear the diagnosis. I understand that fear, but early evaluation offers real advantages. First, we may find a treatable cause — and reversing a B12 deficiency or adjusting a medication can restore function. Second, if it is dementia, early diagnosis means earlier access to treatments that can help manage symptoms, more time to plan finances, driving decisions, and care preferences while the person can fully participate, and the chance to address safety issues before a crisis. Third, it gives families time to learn, adjust, and build a support system.

Medicare covers cognitive assessment as part of your Annual Wellness Visit, so there's typically no cost barrier to getting an initial screening.

What a Memory Evaluation Looks Like

At Pinnacle Health, a memory evaluation is unhurried and thorough. We review your medical history and medications, perform standardized cognitive testing, order lab work to rule out reversible causes, and when appropriate, coordinate brain imaging or specialist referrals. Because Dr. Khurana is board-certified in geriatric medicine, our evaluations account for the full picture of an older adult's health — not just a single test score. We also make time to talk with family members, whose observations are often invaluable.

How Families in Sun City Can Help

If you're concerned about a spouse, parent, or neighbor, approach the conversation gently. Choose a calm moment, use "I" statements — "I've noticed you've seemed frustrated with the bills lately" — and frame the doctor's visit as a routine checkup, which it truly is. Accompany them if you can. And take care of yourself, too; caregiver stress is real, and support resources are available throughout the West Valley.

When to Schedule an Appointment

Make an appointment promptly if you or a loved one experiences memory changes that interfere with daily activities, repeated episodes of confusion about time or place, new difficulty managing medications or finances, getting lost in familiar places, or noticeable personality changes. If symptoms appear suddenly — over hours or days — seek medical care immediately, as this can signal a stroke, infection, or medication reaction rather than dementia.

Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia: A Guide for Sun City Families