A small public act for cognitive awareness
We track blood pressure. We watch cholesterol. We count steps. Memory and thinking change too.
What most of us already keep an eye on:
- Blood pressureChecked at most visits(commonly noticed)
- CholesterolPart of a routine physical(commonly noticed)
- Daily stepsCounted by your phone(commonly noticed)
You often notice it in ordinary moments.
A parent
repeats a story they told you yesterday.
A friend
loses the thread halfway through a familiar conversation.
You
reach for a word you have used a thousand times.
Small changes. Worth noticing.
Add your voice to make noticing feel normal.
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Organizations helping people Notice Earlier
Clinics, senior services, community groups, researchers and employers can lend their name to making memory and thinking something we notice, not something we avoid.
Questions about memory, thinking, and aging
General information, not medical advice. Last reviewed .
What is Notice Earlier?
A public awareness campaign with one idea: memory and thinking deserve the same everyday attention we give to blood pressure, cholesterol and daily steps.
It is not a medical service and does not test, screen or diagnose anyone.
Is some forgetfulness a normal part of aging?
Yes. Occasionally misplacing keys or taking longer to learn something new is common with age. Dementia, however, is not a normal part of aging.
Source: National Institute on Aging: Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging (opens in a new tab)
Which memory changes are worth mentioning to a doctor?
Changes that get in the way of daily life: asking the same questions over and over, getting lost in familiar places, trouble following directions, or struggling with tasks like driving, shopping or using the phone.
Family or friends often notice these before the person does.
Source: National Institute on Aging: Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging (opens in a new tab)
Can memory problems have treatable causes?
Yes. Medicine side effects, low vitamin B12, thyroid, kidney or liver problems, heavy drinking, infections, depression, stress and anxiety can all affect memory. Some of these can be treated once they are found, which is one of the best reasons to notice early.
Source: National Institute on Aging: Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging (opens in a new tab)
How common is it to notice changes in memory or thinking?
In a 2015–2016 CDC survey, about 1 in 9 adults aged 45 and older (11.2%) said confusion or memory loss was happening more often or getting worse. Fewer than half of them (45.4%) had talked about it with a health care professional.
What should I do if I notice changes in myself or someone I love?
Talk with a doctor. Beforehand, write down what you have noticed and when it started, and list all medicines and supplements. Bringing a family member or friend can help.
If confusion comes on suddenly, or with trouble speaking, weakness on one side or a severe headache, call emergency services right away. These can be signs of a stroke.
Source: National Institute on Aging: Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging (opens in a new tab); CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Stroke (opens in a new tab)
Is adding my voice anonymous?
Yes. Tapping “I agree” adds one to a public count. It never asks for your name, email or phone number, and the site uses no analytics or advertising trackers. Your place in line is saved only on your own device, and a Cloudflare check keeps bots out of the count.
Can my organization support Notice Earlier?
Yes. Healthcare providers, senior services, community groups, researchers, employers and nonprofits can apply on the Join as a Supporting Organization page. That form asks for the organization’s details and a work contact, and we review every request before anything is shown.