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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
Face drooping, arm weakness, or sudden speech difficulty
Sudden severe confusion with possible stroke symptoms
A seizure, collapse, or inability to wake
A serious head injury
Severe breathing difficulty or chest pain
Immediate risk of harm to the person or someone else
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice for a noticeable change over hours or days, especially new confusion, unusual sleepiness, agitation, hallucinations, fever, reduced drinking, pain, or difficulty passing urine.
These may indicate delirium or another illness.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if memory or thinking changes are recurring, worsening, or interfering with daily activities.
Early assessment can identify treatable problems, clarify the likely cause, and provide access to support.
A gradual increase in forgetfulness without these warning signs is usually not an emergency, but it still needs routine assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dementia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.