This checklist is for general education and is not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about memory or thinking changes, talk with a qualified health professional.
Everyday Brain-Healthy Habits
Use this section as a quick self-check on daily routines that support brain health.
Physical health
- ☐ I get regular physical activity most days (even walking or chair exercises).
- ☐ I see my primary care provider for routine check-ups and screenings.
- ☐ I manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar as recommended.
- ☐ I avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- ☐ I aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep most nights.
Food & hydration
- ☐ I eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains most days.
- ☐ I include healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish, avocado) in my meals.
- ☐ I limit highly processed foods and sugary drinks.
- ☐ I drink enough water throughout the day.
Mental activity
- ☐ I regularly challenge my brain (reading, puzzles, learning, hobbies).
- ☐ I try new or slightly challenging activities, not just familiar routines.
- ☐ I stay curious and engaged with the world around me.
Social and emotional well-being
- ☐ I connect with friends, family, or community at least weekly.
- ☐ I talk with someone or seek support when I feel stressed, anxious, or down.
- ☐ I have meaningful roles or activities (volunteering, work, caregiving, hobbies).
“Is This Normal Aging or Something More?” Checklist
Some changes in memory and thinking are a normal part of aging. Others may be early signs of dementia or another medical problem. Use the checklist below as a starting point for conversation—not as a diagnosis.
Common age-related changes
(These are usually mild and don’t disrupt daily life.)
- ☐ Occasionally forgetting a word, but it comes back later.
- ☐ Misplacing items now and then, but being able to retrace steps to find them.
- ☐ Needing more time to learn a new device or app.
- ☐ Sometimes walking into a room and briefly forgetting why.
Changes that may signal something more
(If you check several of these and they are new, getting worse, or affecting daily life, talk with a health professional.)
- ☐ Frequently repeating the same questions or stories without realizing it.
- ☐ Getting lost in familiar places or needing help finding the way home.
- ☐ Difficulty following conversations, TV plots, or written instructions.
- ☐ Trouble managing bills, medications, or appointments that used to be easy.
- ☐ Noticeable changes in judgment (e.g., unusual spending, scams, safety risks).
- ☐ Big changes in mood, personality, or behavior (suspiciousness, withdrawal, agitation).
- ☐ Major changes in interests or initiative (losing enthusiasm for activities once enjoyed).
- ☐ Changes in movement or coordination (frequent falls, shuffle, stiffness) without explanation.
If these changes are present, encourage:
- ☐ A visit with a primary care provider.
- ☐ A thorough evaluation that looks at memory, thinking, mood, medications, and other health issues.
- ☐ Bringing a trusted family member or friend to appointments to share observations.
Checklist for Families & Care Partners
This section can help families organize what they’re seeing and what to bring to appointments.
Before a medical visit
- ☐ Write down specific examples of memory, thinking, mood, or behavior changes.
- ☐ Note when changes started and whether they are getting worse.
- ☐ List all medications, vitamins, and supplements (including over-the-counter).
- ☐ Gather information about medical history, strokes, head injuries, or sleep problems.
- ☐ Make a list of key questions for the provider (diagnosis, safety, driving, work, support).
Safety and daily life
- ☐ We have discussed driving safety or had a professional driving evaluation if needed.
- ☐ We have a plan for medications (pill boxes, reminders, or support).
- ☐ We have safeguards for finances (joint accounts, trusted oversight, fraud alerts).
- ☐ The home is checked for safety risks (falls, kitchen safety, emergency contacts).
- ☐ We know local or online support resources for dementia and caregiver support.
Emotional support
- ☐ We talk openly and respectfully about changes, using person-centered language.
- ☐ We check in on the person’s feelings about their diagnosis or changes.
- ☐ Care partners have their own support system and know it’s okay to ask for help.
Checklist for Dementia Professionals
This section is geared to nurses, aides, therapists, social workers, and others supporting people living with dementia.
Person-centered assessment
- ☐ I ask about what matters most to the person—their values, roles, and routines.
- ☐ I look beyond diagnosis labels to understand strengths and current abilities.
- ☐ I use tools and approaches that are culturally sensitive and trauma-informed.
Supporting brain health in care settings
- ☐ Our environment reduces excess noise, clutter, and confusion when possible.
- ☐ We support daily movement (walks, chair exercises, stretching, or therapy programs).
- ☐ We encourage hydration and balanced meals, offering choices and assistance as needed.
- ☐ We build in meaningful activity, not just “busy work.”
Communication and behavior support
- ☐ I use clear, respectful communication (simple sentences, one step at a time, calm tone).
- ☐ I look for the “why” behind distress or behavior changes (pain, boredom, fear, environment).
- ☐ I involve families as partners and respect their knowledge of the person.
Education and training
- ☐ I receive ongoing dementia education, not just one-time orientation.
- ☐ Our organization uses evidence-based dementia training and refreshers.
- ☐ I know how to refer individuals and families to dementia education and support resources.
For dementia professionals, structured education—such as NCCDP’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) curriculum and Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP) credential—can deepen skills in person-centered assessment, communication, and behavior support.
“Talk With a Professional” Prompt Sheet
If you check several items below, it may be time to schedule a conversation:
- ☐ Changes in memory, thinking, or behavior are getting worse over months/years.
- ☐ These changes are interfering with work, relationships, or daily tasks.
- ☐ Safety concerns have come up (finances, driving, wandering, kitchen use, falls).
- ☐ Family members or close friends are worried, not just casually noticing.
- ☐ The person is feeling scared, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s happening.
Bring to the visit:
- ☐ This checklist or your notes.
- ☐ A list of questions and priorities.
- ☐ A trusted support person, if possible.
How NCCDP Can Help
- NCCDP supports brain health and dementia care by providing education, certification, and practical tools for professionals, organizations, and communities.
- Next step: Visit NCCDP.org to learn more about dementia education programs, certifications, and resources that can support you, your staff, and the people you serve.
