Does dementia come on suddenly or gradually? My husband (64) woke up in the night Saturday after taking Benedryl. He was confused and disoriented. He couldn t find something in the bathroom that was sitting right in front of him. He hiccuped all night after taking some baking soda (he does often for indigestion). In the morning he would try to get dressed and need help putting his clothes, as he was doing things upside down and backwards. He couldn t log onto his computer today (he s an attorney, who uses his brain a lot). He couldn t type. He got into the tub backwards. He sleeps a lot. (he s been battling a cold all week). His Dr said it was probably a reaction to the Benedryl. Its been nearly 48 hours now and he is a little better, but I m not seeing a big improvement. I m really worried.