According to Dr. Henk Swanepoel, lead neuropsychologist at Cygnet Health Care, memory problems should be taken seriously when they start affecting daily functioning. Signs include missing appointments, forgetting recent conversations entirely, or struggling with tasks previously managed with ease, such as attending medical appointments, paying bills, following recipes, or navigating familiar routes.

Victoria Lyons, a dementia specialist at Dementia UK, emphasizes that family and friends often notice subtle changes before the individual does. For instance, a person who regularly cycles getting lost on a familiar route may indicate something beyond normal forgetfulness.

Experts recommend tracking memory lapses in a journal to identify patterns and provide detailed information to healthcare providers. Early detection allows for timely interventions, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

It's important to note that not all memory issues stem from dementia. Factors like stress, sleep deprivation, medication side effects, or other medical conditions can also impact memory. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the cause and appropriate course of action.