Request an appointment
Your path to clearer, brighter cognitive health begins here—with expert care, genuine warmth, and unwavering support. Contact us or request a call back today.
Normal Forgetfulness or Dementia? A Family Guide
It can be worrying when a loved one starts to forget names, repeat themselves, or misplace things. Families often ask: “Is this just part of normal ageing, or could it be the early stages of dementia?”
While occasional lapses in memory are common with ageing, persistent changes that affect daily life may indicate something more serious. This is where structured tools, such as the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview, can help.
What is the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview?
The AD8 (Ascertain Dementia 8) questionnaire is a simple, validated tool developed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Unlike many memory tests which ask the patient to answer directly, the AD8 is meant to be completed by a family member or carer who knows the person well.
This is because people in the early stages of dementia may not notice their own difficulties — but their loved ones often do. The AD8 captures these observations and provides a quick, reliable indication of whether further dementia screening is needed.
The AD8 Dementia Checklist for Families
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s memory, you as a family member can complete the checklist below. Answer Yes, a change or No, no change for each of the following:
| Question | Has there been a change in… (observed by you as a family member/carer)? |
|---|---|
| 1 | Judgement or decision-making? |
| 2 | Interest in hobbies or activities? |
| 3 | Repeating the same things over and over? |
| 4 | Learning to use tools, gadgets, or appliances? |
| 5 | Forgetting the correct month or year? |
| 6 | Handling complicated financial affairs? |
| 7 | Remembering appointments? |
| 8 | Consistency in thinking and daily conversations? |
Scoring:
- 0–1: May reflect normal ageing.
- 2 or more: Suggests possible cognitive impairment — further dementia assessment is recommended.
📄 Download the AD8 Dementia Checklist (PDF) –https://memoryandbraincliniclondon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AD8_Dementia_Checklist_Family_Branded_Web-1.pdf
Normal Forgetfulness vs Early Dementia
| Normal Ageing | Possible Dementia |
|---|---|
| Occasionally forgetting names but remembering later | Forgetting names of close friends or family and not recalling later |
| Misplacing keys now and then | Putting items in strange places (e.g., wallet in the fridge) |
| Sometimes needing reminders for appointments | Regularly missing important events despite reminders |
| Slow to learn a new phone or app | Unable to operate familiar appliances or manage bills |
| Still independent in daily life | Needing help with finances, medications, or personal care |
Why Families Should Use the AD8 Before a Private Dementia Test
For families, the AD8 provides a structured, evidence-based way to differentiate normal forgetfulness from possible dementia. It is quick (takes less than 5 minutes), free, and can guide whether to seek a private dementia assessment for your loved one.
Benefits of a Private Dementia Assessment
If your loved one scores 2 or higher on the AD8, or if you’ve noticed worrying patterns, the next step is a comprehensive dementia assessment.
At our clinic, this means more than a quick memory test. A private dementia assessment includes:
- Specialist consultation with a consultant geriatrician who has deep expertise in cognitive disorders.
- Advanced cognitive testing tailored to the individual.
- Brain imaging (MRI or PET) where clinically appropriate.
- Specialist blood tests, including cutting-edge biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Clear answers in one visit — with our signature same-day diagnosis.
This goes far beyond the “health checks” and generic screening packages offered elsewhere. Our approach is designed around clinical expertise first, investigations second — ensuring that every test has meaning, and every patient leaves with clarity.
Private Dementia Screening in London
At our Memory and Brain Clinic in London, families can expect:
- Same-day and one-week private dementia assessment pathways
- Structured family-based tools such as the AD8, alongside specialist memory and cognitive tests
- MRI brain imaging and advanced blood biomarker testing (including Alzheimer’s-specific assays)
- Compassionate, consultant-led care with continuity for both patients and their families
This means you won’t just get “test results” — you’ll get a clear diagnosis, a plan, and ongoing support.
When to Seek Help
If your loved one:
- Scores 2 or more on the AD8,
- Shows ongoing memory loss, confusion, or behaviour change, or
- Struggles with daily independence…
…it’s time to arrange a private dementia assessment.
At the Memory and Brain Clinic London, we provide expert-led clarity in days, not months. Unlike generic health check providers, we focus on what matters most: early, accurate diagnosis delivered with compassionate expertise.
Call us today on 0207 062 7248 or email drsinghaisecretary@outlook.com to book your private dementia assessment and give your family the clarity it deserves.
