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Warning-sign checks

Alzheimer disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for stroke symptoms, a seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty, serious head injury, or behavior that creates an immediate danger to the person or others.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical care for confusion that appears suddenly, fever, new weakness, repeated vomiting, dehydration, a significant fall, or a sudden inability to walk or communicate.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is used to review changes in memory, daily function, mood, behavior, sleep, mobility, nutrition, and caregiver needs.

    The clinician may also review medicine benefits and side effects, driving, home safety, advance care plans, and whether more support is needed.

    Arrange an earlier appointment for a noticeable but gradual decline, repeated falls, weight loss, new swallowing trouble, increasing wandering, major sleep changes, or behavior that is becoming difficult to manage.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Alzheimer disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.