Keeping a light change log

The single most useful thing a family member can do — and the one almost everyone skips — is to keep a quiet written record of what feels different over time.

Key takeaways

• Without a log, you are using memory to track memory — which doesn't work.
• Write only when something feels different. One line is fine.
• Look back monthly to see whether anything has actually changed.
• A clinician will value your log far more than most people expect.

Why this matters more than any single test

The methods in this guide series — recall, independent tasks, conversation drift, delayed intentions, category fluency — are all about *noticing*. The change log is what turns noticing into pattern recognition. Without it, you are relying on memory to track memory.

How to keep one

1. Pick a place: a small notebook, a private notes app, or our printable PDF.
2. Write only when something stands out — not on a schedule.
3. One line is enough: date, what happened, context (sleep / mood / medication).
4. Once a month, read back over what you've written. Ask: 'Has anything actually changed?'

What to write

• The observation: 'Repeated the same story 3x at lunch.'
• The context: 'Slept badly. Stressful week.'
• Anything you noticed across multiple weeks.

Awareness, not surveillance

A change log can subtly shift how you see someone you love. Keep it light, keep it private, and re-read it with kindness. The point is to support, not to score.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I keep it?

Anywhere private and accessible — a paper notebook, a notes app, or our printable change log. Paper has the advantage of staying out of the person's view.

How often should I write?

Whenever something stands out. There is no schedule. Many people write a line every week or two, and a longer reflection once a month.

What should I do with it?

Mostly nothing — until you need it. If you ever decide to talk to a doctor, a quiet written record is one of the most useful things you can bring.