When to Seek Medical Care

Any change in behavior, mood, or personality in a middle-aged person may signal a problem. A visit to the person’s health care provider is a good idea if the change interferes with any of the following:

• The person’s ability to take care of himself or herself
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• The person’s ability to maintain health and safety
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• The person’s ability to sustain social relationships
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• The person’s ability to work effectively at his or her job
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• The person’s ability or interest in participating in activities that he or she enjoys
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• The person’s ability to drive or carry out other complex tasks

Many conditions can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms in a middle-aged person, including both medical and psychological problems. Some of these conditions can be reversed, or at least stopped or slowed down. Therefore, it is extremely important that the person with symptoms be checked thoroughly to rule out treatable conditions.

An early diagnosis allows treatment to begin earlier in the disease, when it has the best chance of improving symptoms. Early diagnosis also allows the affected person to plan activities and make arrangements for care while he or she can still take part in making decisions.