We all walk into a room and forget why we came in. So how do you tell ordinary forgetfulness from the early signs of something more? This week, in part one of our two-part dementia special, geriatrician Dr Stephanie Ward shows us what to actually look for.

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In this episode:
The Conversation: Part one of a two-part dementia special. Geriatrician and regular Clubber Dr Stephanie Ward joins Sarah Macdonald to untangle normal ageing from dementia from delirium — the early signs that are more than forgetting, why around one in five people worried about their memory are dealing with something else, and what to do next.

This Week's Hack: A sudden change — confusion that comes on over days, not months — is often delirium, brought on by a urinary tract infection, another illness or a medication. Unlike dementia it can be reversed, so it is a reason to see a doctor soon, not to give up hope.

Send this to: anyone quietly worried about a parent's memory, or their own.

A moment that stays: I have "cured" dementia before, just by stopping one or two tablets. Sometimes what looks like 'dementia' is medication, an infection or low mood — and it is treatable.

Meet the regular Clubbers:
Melissa Reader — CEO of Vera and expert on Australia's ageing crisis.
Jo Lamble — Clinical psychologist specialising in guilt and family dynamics.
Dr Ginni Mansberg — GP and women's health advocate.
Dr Stephanie Ward — Geriatrician helping you understand the ageing brain.
Kerry Milligan — Gogglebox star bringing humour and honesty.

Content note: this episode discusses dementia, memory loss and caring for an unwell parent. Be gentle with yourself while you listen, and come back to it another time if today isn't the day. For information and support, Dementia Australia's National Dementia Helpline is on 1800 100 500 (dementia.org.au). For support as a carer — Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm).

Find Put The Kettle On – Vera's free guide to the five questions worth asking your mum or dad – at https://putthekettleon.com.au

This episode was supported by Australian Unity Home Health and Care. Visit https://australianunity.com.au/clubsandwich.

This episode was supported by NSW Trustee and Guardian — wills, power of attorney and enduring guardianship, sorted properly, so the people you love aren't left guessing. Search NSW Trustee and Guardian, or call 1300 10 20 30.

Vera is your candid companion as you care for an ageing parent. Have a look at https://vera.guide.

Credits:
Sarah Macdonald — Host + Executive Producer
Melissa Reader — Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer + Clubber
Justin McArthur – Executive Producer.
Audio + video edits by P. Zinner Podcasts (https://pzinner.com.au)
Thanks and kudos to Sean Wayland for our theme music Club Sandwich — hear more at https://seanwayland.com