One of the important signs of dementia is increasing difficulty performing everyday tasks that were previously familiar. A person with dementia may gradually struggle with: • Managing money, bills, or banking • Taking medicines correctly • Cooking familiar meals • Using household appliances • Shopping independently • Keeping appointments • Dressing or choosing appropriate clothes • Finding their way in familiar surroundings • Maintaining personal hygiene in later stages These problems occur because dementia can affect memory, attention, planning, judgment, problem-solving, and orientation. In the early stages, difficulties may be subtle. A person may make repeated mistakes while handling finances or need more time to complete familiar activities. As dementia progresses, increasing assistance may be required with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Difficulty with daily activities does not automatically mean dementia. Depression, physical illness, vision or hearing problems, medication effects, and other neurological conditions can also reduce functioning. Recognising changes in daily functioning in dementia is important because loss of ability to perform previously familiar tasks can be an important indicator of cognitive decline. Dr. Aditya Patil Consultant Psychiatrist Mana Sajjana Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Pune 9975573437