rather than dementia.
Possible causes include:
* infection
* dehydration
* medication reactions
* metabolic problems
* severe illness
Sudden confusion deserves prompt medical assessment.
Likewise, sudden facial weakness, speech difficulty, one-sided weakness, or severe imbalance may indicate a stroke and requires emergency care.
## When Should You Speak With a Doctor?
Consider arranging a medical assessment when memory or thinking problems:
* are becoming progressively worse
* interfere with everyday responsibilities
* affect safety
* cause someone to become lost
* lead to repeated financial mistakes
* significantly change personality or behavior
* are noticed by several family members
You do not
