Recognizing the Signs and When to Seek Professional Support
You are the foremost expert on your own body and mind. Trust your intuition. If you feel that something is “off,” it is always worth exploring. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-care, not weakness. It’s time to have a conversation with a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional if you consistently notice:
- Memory loss that disrupts your daily life, such as asking for the same information repeatedly.
- New challenges in planning, problem-solving, or working with numbers.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work.
- Confusion with time or place; losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.
- New problems with words in speaking or writing, such as struggling to follow or join a conversation.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace your steps to find them.
- Decreased or poor judgment, such as in dealing with money.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities you once enjoyed.
- Changes in mood and personality, such as becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
Bringing a written list of your specific concerns to your doctor’s appointment can be incredibly helpful. It ensures you remember everything you want to discuss and provides your doctor with a clear picture of what you’re experiencing.
