It's not unusual to sometimes forget where you put your keys or glasses. Or maybe you forget where you parked your car or the name of an acquaintance. As you age, it may take you longer to remember things. Not all older adults have memory changes. But these changes can be a normal part of aging. This type of memory problem is more often annoying than serious.
Memory loss that starts suddenly or that clearly interferes with how well you can function in daily life may be a sign of a more serious problem.
Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first symptom of a serious illness. This happens most in older adults. Health problems that can cause it include:
Alcohol and many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause confusion or decreased alertness. These problems may develop from:
Other causes of confusion or decreased alertness can include:
Conditions in the environment that can cause changes in the level of consciousness include:
Many times there are other symptoms, such as a fever, chest pain, or not being able to walk or stand. It's important to look for and tell your doctor about other symptoms you have when confusion or decreased alertness occurs. This can help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms.
A decrease in alertness may progress to loss of consciousness. A person who loses consciousness isn't awake or aware of his or her surroundings. Fainting (syncope) is a form of brief unconsciousness. Coma is a deep, prolonged state of unconsciousness.
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.
Problems with memory, judgment, or problem solving include things like:
Confusion may range from mild to severe. A person who is confused may:
Symptoms of a stroke may include:
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect your memory. A few examples are:
Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:
Severe trouble breathing means:
Moderate trouble breathing means:
Mild trouble breathing means:
Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.
Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength (325 mg) or 2 to 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
As you age, it's normal to have some memory lapses. In most cases, having a memory lapse now and then doesn't mean that you have a serious problem. Try these steps to help improve your memory.
Often, forgetfulness may mean that you have too much on your mind. Slow down, and pay full attention to the task you are doing now.
Complete common tasks in the same order each time you do them.
Being stressed can impair your memory.
Caring for someone who has dementia or who has a decline in memory, problem-solving ability, learning ability, or judgment is hard. Use these tips to help with their health and safety.
Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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