Basic signs that are more than the occasional normal lapse in concentration is occurring can include any of the following:

• If you have difficulty performing normal everyday tasks
• If you misplace things frequently
• If you find it difficult to hold or follow a conversation without your mind wondering
• If your behaviour changes noticeably, with irritability, tiredness or aggression.
• Dementia signs and symptoms

In dementia changes in brain function occur through chemical imbalance, usually caused by nutritional deficiency or overload.

Symptoms include asking the same questions over and over, becoming disorientated in familiar places, being unable to follow instructions, losing time and date, forgetting people and places and neglecting personal safety, hygiene and nutrition.

Medical conditions may also cause symptoms like those seem in dementia. These can include a high fever, regular dehydration, vitamin deficiency or poor nutrition and bad reactions to medicines or problems with the thyroid gland.