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 health problems cause confusion or decreased alertness. It is not unusual for a person who is sick to be sleepy or confused when he or she wakes up. But extreme sleepiness may be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
Confusion may range from mild to severe. Symptoms of confusion may include:
Decreased alertness occurs when a person is not fully awake, aware of, or able to respond normally to his or her external environment. Decreased alertness may also mean that a chronic illness has gotten worse.
A sudden change in the mental state or level of consciousness may be caused by:
Other problems that may lead to confusion or decreased alertness include:
A complete medical examination may be needed before the cause of your confusion or decreased alertness can be diagnosed. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Contact your doctor for an exam if you are having problems with confusion or decreased alertness.
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