Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and changes the way a person thinks, remembers, and behaves. When someone has dementia, their brain cells start to die or lose their connections, making it harder for them to do everyday things. One of the most common problems people with dementia face is forgetting what they were doing, especially if something medical is mentioned or if they are in a situation that involves health or treatment. This can happen even if the person was just in the middle of a task or conversation, and it can be confusing for both the person with dementia and the people around them.
Memory loss is one of the main signs of dementia, and it often starts with forgetting recent events or conversations. For example, a person might start making a cup of tea and then suddenly forget why they are in the kitchen or what they were about to do. This kind of forgetfulness is not just about forgetting names or where they put their keys, but about losing track of what they were doing in the moment, even if it was something simple or something they do every day [1]. This happens because dementia damages the parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and thinking, making it harder for the brain to hold onto information or to switch between tasks [2].
When something medical is mentioned, like a doctor’s appointment, a medication, or a health problem, it can make this forgetfulness worse. The brain of someone with dementia may struggle to process new information, especially if it is something that feels stressful or unfamiliar. For example, if a person with dementia hears that they need to take a new medicine or go to the hospital, their brain might get overwhelmed and they could forget what they were doing just before that. They might also forget why they were in a certain room, what they were supposed to do next, or even what they were talking about in a conversation [3].
This kind of forgetfulness is not just about memory. Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to plan, solve problems, and make decisions. Someone with dementia might start a task, like getting dressed or preparing a meal, but then lose track of what they were doing halfway through. They might forget the steps involved or get confused about what comes next. This can happen even if the task is something they have done many times before. The brain is no longer able to keep track of the sequence of actions or to remember what needs to be done next [4].
In some cases, dementia can also cause confusion about time and place. A person might forget what day it is, where they are, or why they are there. This can make it even harder for them to remember what they were doing, especially if they are in a new or unfamiliar environment, like a doctor’s office or a hospital. The stress of being in a medical setting can make the confusion worse, and the person might forget what they were supposed to do or why they came there in the first place [5].
Another thing that can happen is that a person with dementia might repeat the same question or action over and over. For example, they might ask what time it is or what they are supposed to do next, even if they were just told a few minutes ago. This is because their brain is not able to hold onto the information for very long, and they keep forgetting what they were just told or what they were just doing. This can be frustrating for both the person with dementia and the people around them, but it is a common symptom of the condition [6].
Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to communicate. They might have trouble finding the right words or understanding what other people are saying. This can make it harder for them to follow a conversation or to remember what they were talking about. If something medical is mentioned, like a diagnosis or a treatment plan, they might not be able to understand or remember what was said, and they could forget what they were doing or what they were supposed to do next [7].
It is important to remember that not all forgetfulness is a sign of dementia. Everyone forgets things from time to time, especially as they get older. But when forgetfulness starts to interfere with daily life, like forgetting what they were doing in the middle of a task or forgetting important information, it could be a sign of dementia. If someone is having trouble remembering what they were doing, especially if it happens often or if it is getting worse, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with dementia manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible [8].
There are different types of dementia, and each type can affect the brain in slightly different ways. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, and it usually starts with memory loss and confusion. Vascular dementia is caused by problems with blood flow to the brain, and it can cause sudden changes in thinking and memory. Frontotemporal dementia affects the parts of the brain that control behavior and language, and it can cause changes in personality and communication. Lewy body dementia can cause problems with movement, memory, and thinking, and it can also cause hallucinations and sleep problems. Each type of dementia can make it harder for a person to remember what they were doing, especially if something medical is mentioned or if they are in a stressful situation [9].
In summary, dementia can make people forget what they were doing, especially if something medical is mentioned or if they are in a situation that involves health or treatment. This happens because dementia damages the brain and makes it harder for a person to remember, think, and communicate. If someone is having trouble remembering what they were doing, especially if it happens often or if it is getting worse, it is important to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with dementia manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
[1] https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/dementia-explained-types-common-signs-and-symptoms
[2] https://www.groveneurology.com/blog/understanding-memory-loss-dementia-and-alzheimers-disease-when-forgetfulness-becomes-more-than-just-aging/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia
[4] https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/alzheimers-disease-everything-you-need-know
[5] https://thedacare.org/alzheimers-warning-signs-9-symptoms-to-watch-for/
[6] https://www.thibodaux.com/news/2025/november/alzheimers-and-dementia-watch-for-signs-and-symp/
[7] https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/spotting-early-signs-that-could-be-dementia-when-should-you-worry/
[8] https://www.hospice.com/do-i-have-dementia-understanding-early-signs-symptoms-and-when-to-seek-help/
[9] https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-and-wellbeing/early-signs-of-dementia-you-might-miss
