Dementia & memory

Memory Changes: What to Do Next

Noticing changes in someone’s memory or thinking can be worrying. A change does not, by itself, tell you the cause. Start by describing what you’ve noticed and arranging a conversation with a healthcare professional.

A sudden change is different. New or rapidly worsening confusion, attention, or behavior can have an urgent medical cause. Contact a healthcare professional promptly. If the person may be in immediate danger or has emergency symptoms, call emergency services.

Memory loss and dementia are not the same thing

Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory or other thinking abilities that affects everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is one cause of dementia; there are other causes and types. A clinician’s evaluation is needed to understand what may be happening. Some problems that affect thinking can be treatable, so it is useful to get concerns checked.

National Institute on Aging: what dementia is and how it is diagnosed · Alzheimer’s Association: dementia and Alzheimer’s

Before an appointment

Write down examples

Note what changed, when you first noticed it, whether it comes and goes, and how it affects daily tasks. Include questions the person or family wants answered.

Bring a current medication list

Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Ask the clinician what information or records would be helpful.

Include the person

Whenever possible, ask what the person has noticed and what they want help with. Offer to attend or take notes if they would find that helpful.

Questions to ask the healthcare professional

  • What might be contributing to these changes, and what should be evaluated?
  • Could any health conditions or medicines affect memory, thinking, sleep, mood, or attention?
  • What should we do if changes happen suddenly or get worse?
  • What follow-up, referrals, or community supports are available?
  • What safety concerns should we discuss now, such as driving, medicines, cooking, or being alone?
  • Who should we contact with questions after today, and when should we follow up?

If a dementia diagnosis has been given

Take time to understand what the clinician knows, what remains uncertain, and what the next steps are. Ask about treatment or symptom support, follow-up, practical help, and who to contact as needs change. The person should remain part of decisions as much as possible. If they want, invite trusted family or friends to help organize appointments and information.

It may also help to discuss future preferences and identify documents or plans the person wants to consider while they can take part. For legal questions, consult a qualified legal professional. For care options, see Choosing a Care Setting and Help at Home & Paying for Care.

National Institute on Aging: next steps after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis · Alzheimer’s Association: visiting the doctor about memory loss · MedlinePlus: delirium and sudden confusion

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Ask the clinician about caregiver education, local support groups, respite, and community services. A case-management consultation can help you organize questions and consider possible next steps; it cannot diagnose or replace care from a healthcare professional.

This guide provides general navigation information, not a diagnosis or individual medical advice. For urgent or worsening changes, contact an appropriate healthcare professional or emergency service.

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