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Warning-sign checks

Alzheimer's: 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 signs of stroke, a seizure lasting several minutes or repeated seizures, severe trouble breathing, inability to wake the person, serious injury, or immediate risk of harm.

    If a person with dementia is missing or wandering in unsafe conditions, contact emergency services rather than searching alone.

    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

    Contact the healthcare team promptly for a sudden or marked change in confusion, new hallucinations, repeated falls, fever, refusal of food or fluids, new difficulty swallowing, or a major change in behavior.

    These symptoms may have a treatable cause.

    People receiving anti-amyloid treatment should follow their treatment center's instructions about symptoms that require urgent assessment.

    New headache, confusion, dizziness, vision change, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, seizure, or difficulty walking may need prompt evaluation.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

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

    Visits may also address legal planning, home support, and whether the current living setting remains safe.

    The timing of visits depends on the person's stage and how quickly needs are changing.

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