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Symptoms

My parent is forgetting things and struggling with daily tasks

Repeated questions within minutes. Lost wallet three times in a week. Trouble paying bills, cooking safely, following a TV programme, remembering names. Occasional wandering. Mood changes.

What this could mean

These are classic early signs of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, or mixed types. They may also reflect depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, or medication effects, so a proper medical work-up matters first. After diagnosis, OT plays a major role.

What to do next

See the GP first for a dementia screen and blood tests. In parallel, book an OT assessment, OTs design cognitive strategies (memory aids, labelled drawers, visual schedules), simplify kitchen and bathroom layouts, recommend dementia-friendly tools, and train family carers on communication techniques that reduce frustration.