# 10 Warning Signs of Dementia and Booklets & Factsheets ## Alzheimer's New Zealand **Sources:** - [https://alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/10-warning-signs/](https://alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/10-warning-signs/) - [https://alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/booklets-and-factsheets/](https://alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/booklets-and-factsheets/) **Capture Date:** 2026-06-07 --- # Part 1: 10 Warning Signs of Dementia / Mate Wareware It is important to recognise the early signs of dementia so that a diagnosis can be sought. Early diagnosis means early access to treatment, support, and time to plan for the future. Many of these signs can also be caused by other, treatable conditions (e.g., depression, infection, medication side effects, vitamin deficiency), so a medical check is always important. --- ## The 10 Warning Signs ### 1. Memory Loss That Affects Day-to-Day Function - Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events. - Relying on memory aids (sticky notes, electronic reminders) or family members for things they used to handle alone. - Asking for the same information repeatedly. - _Normal ageing:_ Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. ### 2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks - Struggling to complete routine tasks that have been done for years — e.g., cooking a familiar recipe, managing a budget, using a mobile phone or remote control. - Losing track of the steps involved in a task (e.g., making a cup of tea). - _Normal ageing:_ Occasionally needing help with the settings on a new appliance. ### 3. Problems with Language - Forgetting simple words or substituting unusual words (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock"). - Difficulty following or joining a conversation. - Stopping mid-sentence and not knowing how to continue. - _Normal ageing:_ Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. ### 4. Disorientation to Time and Place - Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. - Forgetting where they are or how they got there. - Getting lost on a familiar street or in their own neighbourhood. - _Normal ageing:_ Forgetting the day of the week but figuring it out later. ### 5. Impaired Judgement - Making poor decisions — e.g., giving away large sums of money, falling for scams, dressing inappropriately for the weather. - Reduced ability to assess risk (e.g., crossing a road unsafely, leaving the stove on). - _Normal ageing:_ Making a questionable decision from time to time. ### 6. Problems with Abstract Thinking - Difficulty understanding numbers, symbols, or concepts. - Struggling to manage finances — paying bills, balancing a cheque book. - Trouble following a logical argument or planning ahead. - _Normal ageing:_ Finding some financial decisions challenging. ### 7. Misplacing Things - Putting items in unusual places (e.g., keys in the fridge, wallet in the laundry basket). - Being unable to retrace steps to find lost items. - Accusing others of stealing (due to not remembering where they put things). - _Normal ageing:_ Misplacing keys or glasses but being able to retrace steps to find them. ### 8. Changes in Mood or Behaviour - Rapid mood swings for no apparent reason. - Uncharacteristic irritability, anxiety, depression, or agitation. - Becoming suspicious, fearful, or paranoid (e.g., thinking others are stealing or plotting against them). - _Normal ageing:_ Feeling down or moody in response to a specific situation. ### 9. Changes in Personality - A previously outgoing person becomes withdrawn, quiet, or apathetic. - A previously calm person becomes irritable, angry, or aggressive. - Loss of interest in hobbies, social activities, or time with family. - _Normal ageing:_ Gradual personality changes occur, but less dramatic and slower. ### 10. Loss of Initiative - Passive behaviour — sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual. - Not wanting to go out, see friends, or do favourite activities. - Needing prompting or encouragement to take part in everyday tasks. - _Normal ageing:_ Sometimes feeling tired of work, social obligations, or housework. --- ## When to See a GP If you or someone you care about is experiencing **one or more** of these warning signs, and they represent a change from their usual functioning, **make an appointment with a GP**. ### Why Early Diagnosis Matters - **Treatable causes can be ruled out** — depression, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, medication side effects, and sleep apnoea can all cause dementia-like symptoms. - **Early access to treatment** — medications for Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) are most effective when started early. - **Time to plan** — legal and financial planning (enduring power of attorney, advance care directive, will) can be made while the person can still participate. - **Access to support** — Alzheimer's NZ, Dementia NZ, carer support, and community services. - **Maximising quality of life** — lifestyle changes, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement can help maintain function longer. ### What to Say to a GP - "I'm worried about my memory / the way I've been feeling / [person's name]'s memory." - Give specific examples of problems (e.g., got lost walking to the shops last week, couldn't remember what happened yesterday). - List all medications being taken (including over-the-counter and supplements). - Mention any falls, infections, or recent hospital stays. --- # Part 2: Booklets and Factsheets — Resource Guide Alzheimer's New Zealand publishes a comprehensive library of free booklets and factsheets covering all aspects of dementia. These are available for download from their website, in print from local Alzheimer's NZ offices, and some are available in te reo Māori and other languages. --- ## Key Booklet Topics ### 1. About Dementia / Mate Wareware - Series of booklets explaining what dementia is, the different types (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia), and what to expect. - Available in English and te reo Māori. ### 2. Living Well with Dementia - Practical advice on adjusting to a diagnosis. - Tips for maintaining independence, staying active, and enjoying life. - Managing changes in relationships, work, and social life. - Information on driving, travel, and leisure activities. ### 3. Supporting Someone with Dementia - For family, whānau, and friends of a person with dementia. - Communication strategies — how to listen, respond, and connect. - Understanding changes in behaviour and how to respond calmly. - Balancing support with your own wellbeing. ### 4. Changed Behaviour (Understanding and Responding) - Explains why behaviour changes occur in dementia (often a form of communication). - Practical strategies for responding to agitation, aggression, repetitive questioning, wandering, and sleep disturbances. - Emphasis on person-centred care — looking for unmet needs (pain, hunger, boredom, discomfort, overstimulation). ### 5. Transitioning to Residential Care - Guidance on making the decision to move to a care facility. - How to choose a facility (checklists and questions to ask). - Supporting the person through the transition. - Adjusting to life in residential care — rights, advocacy, staying involved. ### 6. Later Stages of Dementia - What to expect as dementia progresses to the advanced stage. - Managing physical health, eating and swallowing difficulties, pain, and infections. - End-of-life care and advance care planning. - Supporting family through the final stages. ### 7. Communication and Dementia - How dementia affects communication at each stage. - Practical techniques: using simple sentences, non-verbal cues, patience, and validation. - Avoiding common pitfalls (arguments, testing memory, rushing). ### 8. Driving and Dementia - When and how to talk about stopping driving. - The legal requirements for medical notification. - Alternative transport options and maintaining independence without driving. ### 9. Financial and Legal Planning - Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) for property and personal care. - Advance care directives (living wills). - Will, trusts, and estate planning. - Accessing financial support (Residential Care Subsidy, benefits). ### 10. Carer Health and Wellbeing - Recognising carer stress and burnout. - Practical self-care strategies. - Accessing respite care and carer support. - Grief and loss — anticipating loss (the "long goodbye") and supporting yourself through the journey. ### 11. Young Onset Dementia - For people diagnosed with dementia under age 65. - Specific issues: work, finances, young families, relationships. - Different types more common in young onset (e.g., frontotemporal dementia, familial Alzheimer's). ### 12. Māori and Dementia - Resources specifically for Māori whānau, including the Kaumātua and Kuia framework. - Culturally appropriate support and services. - Understanding mate wareware through a Māori world view. --- ## How to Access Booklets and Factsheets | Method | Details | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Online download** | [alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/booklets-and-factsheets/](https://alzheimers.org.nz/about-dementia/booklets-and-factsheets/) | | **Request printed copies** | Contact your local Alzheimer's NZ office — free of charge | | **Alzheimer's NZ Helpline** | 0800 004 001 — can provide information and postal copies | | **In person** | Visit an Alzheimer's NZ office or dementia-friendly library | --- ## Summary of Key Facts | Topic | Detail | | ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **10 warning signs** | Memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, language problems, disorientation, poor judgement, abstract thinking problems, misplacing things, mood/behaviour changes, personality changes, loss of initiative | | **When to see GP** | If one or more signs present and affect daily life | | **Why early diagnosis** | Rule out treatable causes, early treatment, time to plan, access support | | **Booklet topics** | Living with dementia, supporting someone, changed behaviour, transitioning to care, later stages, driving, finances, carer health, Māori resources, young onset | | **Availability** | Free online or printed from Alzheimer's NZ (0800 004 001) |