Evaluation
Diagnosis Guide
A diagnostic workup commonly includes a medical history, medication review, physical examination, cognitive screening, and discussion with a family member or trusted informant.
- Laboratory testing may help look for reversible contributors such as thyroid disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, dehydration, or medication side effects.
- Brain imaging such as MRI or CT may be used when appropriate.
- Depression, sleep apnea, hearing loss, infection, pain, and delirium can worsen thinking and should be considered.
Seek urgent care for sudden confusion because delirium may signal infection, metabolic changes, medication effects, or other acute illness.