Dementia

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if signs of a Reference stroke Opens New Window or Reference transient ischemic attack (TIA) Opens New Window develop suddenly. These may include:

• Numbness, weakness, or inability to move the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Vision problems in one or both eyes, such as dimness, blurring, double vision, loss of vision, or a sensation that a shade is being pulled down over your eyes.
• Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
• Severe headache with no known cause.

Call a doctor immediately if a person suddenly becomes confused or emotionally upset or doesn't seem to know who or where he or she is. These are signs of Reference delirium Opens New Window, which can be caused by a reaction to medicines or a new or worsening medical condition.

Call a doctor if you or a person you are close to has new and troubling memory loss that is more than an occasional bout of forgetfulness. This may be an early sign of Reference dementia Opens New Window.

Watchful waiting

Occasional forgetfulness or memory loss can be a normal part of aging. But any new or increasing memory loss or problems with daily living should be reported to a doctor. Learn the Reference warning signs of dementia, and talk to a doctor if you or a family member shows any of these signs. They include increased trouble finding the right words when speaking, getting lost going to familiar places, and acting more irritable or suspicious than usual.

Who to see

The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms of memory loss or confusion:

• Reference Family medicine physician Opens New Window
• Reference Internist Opens New Window
• Reference Geriatrician Opens New Window
• Reference Neurologist Opens New Window
• Reference Psychiatrist Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window

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

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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.