5 signs families should not ignore, neurosurgeon explains

Not every memory lapse is a sign of dementia, but repeated changes in behaviour and daily functioning should not be dismissed as ageing. A neurosurgeon explains the warning signs families should watch for and why early evaluation matters.Neurosurgeon flags 5 memory warning signs. (Photo: Getty)Memory lapses can become more common as people grow older. Forgetting where the keys were kept, taking longer to remember a familiar name or needing more time to learn how to use a new device can happen with normal ageing. But when forgetfulness becomes frequent, progressively worsens or starts affecting a person's ability to manage everyday life, it may need closer attention.For families, recognising the difference can be difficult. Older parents or relatives may themselves not notice the changes, while family members may dismiss them as part of growing older. According to Dr Tejesh Shavi, Consultant, Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospitals Hebbal, this can sometimes delay the diagnosis of conditions that require medical attention.He explains that ageing and pathological cognitive decline are not the same. While some slowing of memory and thinking can occur with age, significant changes in memory, behaviour, movement or independence should be evaluated rather than automatically being attributed to old age.HOW IS NORMAL AGEING DIFFERENT FROM MEMORY LOSS?Normal ageing can involve occasional forgetfulness. A person may misplace their glasses, forget where they left their keys or take longer to recall someone's name. However, they may eventually remember the information and continue managing their daily activities independently. More concerning memory loss can involve repeatedly asking the same question within a short period, forgetting familiar routes, failing to recognise people they know well or struggling with tasks they previously handled without difficulty.For example, someone who has managed household finances for years may suddenly struggle to pay routine bills. A person may also forget whether they have taken their medicines, creating potential safety concerns. Families can look for four important changes: whether the problem is happening more often, whether it is getting worse, whether it is affecting daily independence and whether other physical or behavioural changes are appearing.CHANGES IN WALKING CAN ALSO BE A WARNING SIGNMemory problems do not always occur alone. Changes in movement, speech, behaviour or bladder control can provide additional clues about an underlying neurological problem.Difficulty walking, unsteadiness and repeated falls should be evaluated, particularly when they occur along with changes in memory or thinking. New or unusual headaches, seizures, unexplained weakness and difficulty speaking are also symptoms that require medical assessment.Other changes that may need attention include unusual daytime sleepiness, significant personality changes, severe agitation, apathy or paranoia.SOME CAUSES OF MEMORY LOSS CAN BE TREATEDOne reason medical evaluation is important is that dementia is not the only possible explanation for cognitive changes.Memory problems can sometimes be linked to vitamin deficiencies, metabolic problems, medication side effects or untreated sleep disorders. Addressing the underlying cause may improve symptoms.Certain neurological conditions can also produce symptoms that resemble dementia. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, for example, can cause problems with thinking along with walking difficulties and urinary problems. A chronic subdural haematoma, which is a collection of blood around the brain, can develop weeks after a minor head injury and may lead to confusion or changes in behaviour.In some cases, brain tumours can also cause cognitive or personality changes. Identifying these conditions early can be important because some are treatable.WHY EARLY EVALUATION MATTERSFamilies may avoid seeking medical advice because they are worried about a possible dementia diagnosis. However, delaying an evaluation does not prevent the underlying condition from progressing.An early assessment can help doctors identify the cause of cognitive changes and determine whether treatment is possible. If a neurodegenerative condition such as Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed, early recognition can still help families understand the condition, explore available treatments, make safety changes at home and plan for future care.It can also help families distinguish between occasional age-related forgetfulness and changes that require ongoing medical support.FAMILIES SHOULD NOT DISMISS NEW CHANGESChanges in an older person's memory, behaviour or ability to manage everyday tasks deserve attention when they are new, persistent or progressively worsening.Dr Shavi urges families to look beyond the assumption that every cognitive change is simply a consequence of ageing. A change from a person's usual behaviour or abilities can be an important reason to seek professional advice.Rather than dismissing repeated forgetfulness with statements such as "it is just old age", families can acknowledge the change and encourage the person to get evaluated. Early attention can help identify treatable causes, support people living with dementia and allow families to plan care with greater clarity and dignity.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 07:30 IST