Overview
There is no benefit to waiting. Evaluation identifies treatable contributors, clarifies the diagnosis, and opens treatment and planning options that narrow later.
Reasons to schedule an evaluation
- Family members notice repeated questions or forgotten conversations
- Difficulty with bills, medications, appointments, or cooking
- Getting lost or missing turns while driving
- New word-finding trouble
- Personality or judgment changes
- A concerning score on a screening test
Where to start
Begin with the primary care clinician, who can complete initial screening, blood work, and medication review, and refer to neurology, geriatrics, or neuropsychology as needed.
What to bring
- A written timeline of changes
- A complete medication list including supplements
- A family member who can describe daily function
- Records of prior testing or imaging
Related resources
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.