In stage 3, planning, organizing, and even a name or word retrieval become increasingly difficult; challenges abound in social settings. Behavioral changes and disruptions to daily routines are harder to blame on age. Diagnosis is common in this stage.

For Judy: In early 2013, her memory issues became so serious I convinced her to get evaluated. She had a blood test to check for a vitamin B deficiency, an MRI for lack of blood flow to the hippocampus, and an oral test to identify any cognitive impairment. This stage lasted for three years.