FORGETFULNESS OR CONFUSION 93
Do you suffer from any of the following?
Diabetes mellitus
Heart disease
Lung disease
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Lack of oxygen to the brain caused by the worsening of an existing heart or lung disease may cause confusion.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Confusion may indicate low or very high blood sugar levels in someone with diabetes.
• Eat or drink something sugary now.
None of the above
Are you currently taking any medication?
Have you been drinking alcohol within the past few hours?
Yes
No
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR for advice about reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Drinking too much alcohol can cause confusion and, more seriously, can also lead to loss of memory.
Medication
No medication
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Your symptoms may be a side effect of medication or drugs.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
Is gradually increasing forgetfulness and confusion in an elderly person accompanied by any of the following?
Personality change
Reduced attention to personal hygiene
Inability to manage everyday problems
None of the above
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR These symptoms may indicate a decline in mental function due to a condition such as dementia. Depression may also cause similar symptoms.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your forgetfulness and / or confusion from this chart.