When to Seek Medical Care

Any change in movement, walking, balance, behavior, mood, or personality 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 ability to take care of himself or herself
  
  
• The ability to maintain health and safety
  
  
• The ability to sustain social relationships
  
  
• The ability to work effectively at his or her job
  
  
• The ability or interest in participating in activities that he or she enjoys
  
  
• The ability to drive or carry out other complex tasks

Many conditions can cause dementia or dementia-like symptoms, including both medical and psychological problems. Some of these conditions can be reversed, or at least stopped or slowed. Therefore, it is extremely important that the person with symptoms be checked thoroughly to determine if he or she has a treatable condition.

Early diagnosis allows the affected person to plan activities and to make arrangements for care while he or she can still take part in making the decisions.