Dementia starts with forgetting small things and confusion. It progresses with losing contact with surrounding completely. There is complete loss of the actual personality so it is very vital to check for effects the memory loss is having on daily life of the patient. To check that doctor asks about hobbies of the patient and daily activities like jobs and chores. If the patient reports not doing them it is important to ask if it is due to any other cause like arthritis flare up or due to loss of the memory. If there are signs indicating disconnection from surroundings it is important to confirm the degree to which it is occurring as well. After this social and general medical history can be taken.