Memory and Focus: Sudden Confusion, Progressive Change and When to Get Help

Urgent: sudden confusion or stroke signs

Get medical help immediately if someone suddenly becomes confused, cannot think or speak clearly, does not know where they are, or sees or hears things that are not there. Sudden confusion (delirium) has many causes, some of them life threatening. [1]

• In the United States, call 911. Elsewhere, use your local emergency number.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Ask someone else to drive you, or call for an ambulance. [1]
• Stay with the person, use simple words, and bring or list the medicines they take. [1]
• Possible stroke signs include face drooping, arm weakness and slurred or confused speech. Confusion and memory loss can also be part of a stroke. Act at once, even if the signs pass. [2]
• Swallowed too much of a medicine or supplement? Use Poisoning: what to do first. In the US, Poison Help is 1-800-222-1222.
• If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in the US (free, 24 hours a day).

See a doctor soon: gradual or progressive changes

Most of us forget things from time to time. See a doctor if memory problems keep happening or are affecting day-to-day life. The cause may be treatable. [3]

The National Institute on Aging lists signs that suggest it is time to talk with a doctor: [4]

• Asking the same questions over and over.
• Getting lost in places you used to know well.
• Trouble following recipes or directions.
• More confusion about time, people and places.
• Not taking care of yourself, such as eating poorly, not bathing or behaving unsafely.

Problems that stop you doing everyday things such as driving, using the phone or finding the way home point to something more serious than mild forgetfulness. [4][5] These lists are prompts to get checked, not a way to diagnose yourself. Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of memory loss. [3]

Worried about someone else

If an older relative is becoming increasingly forgetful, speak to a doctor about whether it could be a sign of dementia. [3] Family and friends may notice changes before the person does, and the person may not notice or take them seriously for some time. [6] Encourage an appointment and offer to go along. [7]

What to expect and what to bring

• A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your health and whether everyday tasks such as washing, cooking and paying bills have become harder. Someone who knows you well can describe changes they have seen. [7]
• Other causes are checked first. Memory problems can come from depression, anxiety, an infection causing sudden confusion, an underactive thyroid or side effects of medicines. A physical exam, blood and urine tests, and a memory or thinking test are common. [7]
• Bring a list of every medicine, vitamin, supplement and herbal product, including ones you use rarely. [8]
• If a specialist is needed, it may be a doctor who focuses on brain and nervous system conditions, older-age psychiatry or elder care. Scans may be done. [7]

Medicines and supplements

Some medicines affect memory, and some supplements interact with prescriptions. Do not stop a medicine on your own; track your symptoms and talk with your doctor. [9] See Medicines, sleep, mood and illness that affect memory and how interactions work.

Beware promises to prevent dementia

Nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have identified promising strategies and are still learning what works. [10] Check with a doctor before trying any pill or treatment that promises to prevent it; it could be unsafe, a waste of money or may interfere with other treatment. [10] See nootropics and memory supplements and mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Why an early check helps

An accurate and early diagnosis can give you the best chance to prepare, and any treatment you need may work better if started early. [7][3] A study cited by the NHS found that 1 in 4 people wait 2 years before getting help for dementia symptoms. [7]