These questions can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.

Some Causes of Cognitive Problems Can Be Treatable

One reason it is important not to self-diagnose dementia is that cognitive symptoms can have many causes.

Doctors may consider conditions such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Sleep disorders

• Medication side effects

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Thyroid problems

• Infections

• Alcohol or substance use

• Hearing or vision problems

• Metabolic disorders

• Certain neurological conditions

Some of these causes may be treatable or reversible.

For example, severe sleep deprivation can significantly affect concentration and memory.

Certain medications can cause confusion or drowsiness, particularly in older adults.

Hearing loss can also make someone appear forgetful because they may not have fully heard a conversation in the first place.

That is why proper medical assessment matters.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Consider making an appointment if memory, thinking, communication, personality, or behavior changes are:

• Persistent

• Becoming more frequent

• Getting progressively worse

• Interfering with daily activities

• Affecting work or household responsibilities

• Creating safety concerns

• Being noticed by family members or close friends

It can be helpful to keep notes about what you have observed.

Instead of saying, “Mom seems forgetful,” write down specific examples.

For instance:

• “She asked the same question four times today.”

• “She became lost while driving to a store she has visited for years.”

• “She forgot how to use the washing machine.”

• “She missed three bill payments this month.”

• “She suddenly stopped attending her weekly social group.”

Specific examples can help a clinician understand whether the changes are significant.

What Happens During a Medical Evaluation?

A healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, medications, medical history, mood, sleep, and changes in daily functioning.

They may perform cognitive tests involving memory, attention, language, reasoning, and orientation.

Depending on the situation, blood tests or brain imaging may be considered.

The exact evaluation varies from person to person.

A diagnosis of dementia is not usually based on one forgotten appointment or a single memory test.

Clinicians consider the overall pattern, how symptoms have changed over time, and whether they interfere with everyday life.

Family members can sometimes provide valuable information because people experiencing cognitive changes may not recognize the extent of those changes themselves.

Don't Wait for Memory Loss to Become Severe

One common misconception is that there is no point seeking help until someone has major memory problems.

That isn't necessarily true.

Early evaluation can help identify potentially treatable causes of cognitive symptoms.

If a neurodegenerative condition is involved, early diagnosis may give individuals and families more time to understand the condition, discuss care preferences, address safety concerns, and plan for the future.

It can also help families understand that certain behavioral changes may be symptoms of a medical condition rather than deliberate choices.

Knowledge can make difficult situations easier to navigate.

Pay Attention to Sudden Changes

Dementia typically develops gradually, although the exact course varies by condition.

A sudden onset of confusion is different and may represent an urgent medical problem.

Sudden confusion can occur with infections, medication reactions, metabolic problems, strokes, dehydration, or a condition called delirium.

If someone suddenly becomes severely confused, unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, unable to speak normally, develops weakness on one side, has a seizure, or experiences other sudden neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

Don't assume sudden confusion is simply dementia.

How Families Can Respond

If you notice cognitive changes in someone you love, approaching the subject can be difficult.