Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your symptoms?
  • When did they begin?
  • Did they begin suddenly or come on gradually?
  • Do your symptoms fluctuate or come and go?
• Do you have other symptoms with the confusion, memory loss, or decreased alertness?
• Have you had these symptoms before? If so, what was the diagnosis? When and how were your symptoms treated?
• Are you on a special diet? What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
• Have you had any recent head injuries?
• What prescription or nonprescription medicines do you take? Bring a complete list of all your medicines to your appointment.
• Do you often feel extremely sleepy during the day?
• Have you or another family member ever had a mental health problem, such as Reference depression Opens New Window or an Reference anxiety disorder Opens New Window?
• Have any of your family members been diagnosed with a disease that causes confusion or memory loss, such as Reference Alzheimer's disease Opens New Window or Reference Huntington's disease Opens New Window?
• Have you been ill or hospitalized recently?
• Have you recently traveled outside of the United States?
• How much alcohol do you drink? How often? When did you have your last drink?
• Do you use any illegal drugs? If so, which ones? How often? When did you last use drugs? Do you swallow, inhale, or inject the drugs?
• Do you have any Reference health risks?

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.