With its similarities to dementia, delirium tends to be a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Older adults are especially at risk for delirium, so our aging care experts have put together the following information that will help you recognize and react accordingly if you suspect it in a person you love.
Similar to dementia, delirium symptoms feature confusion and disorientation, as well as other alterations in mental status. The important contrast, however, is the onset of these symptoms. In dementia, there is a slow and gradual decrease in cognitive functioning; with delirium, the change is immediate.
It is important to bear in mind that both forms of delirium can be experienced concurrently, with the person experiencing listlessness and drowsiness one minute and then feeling alert and agitated the next.
People at heightened risk for delirium include:
The primary cause of delirium is often difficult to pinpoint, but there are several known contributing factors:
Talk to the older person’s healthcare provider right away for an assessment. They may perform some simple initial tests, like asking the person to solve a standard math problem or to spell a short word backwards. A physical exam, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests like an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray may be ordered to help identify the cause.
The health condition or other reason for the delirium should first be identified and treated. Hospitalization is oftentimes needed to allow for ongoing monitoring of the delirium itself as well as the treatment being provided. Options can include:
If taking care of someone with delirium at home, the following suggestions can help:
Compassionate Nursing Services, a provider of home and memory care in Clayton, MO and nearby areas, can be an enormous help as well for a loved one experiencing delirium. We are here for as much or as little assistance and support as needed, day or night. Call us [8] at 314-432-4312 for an in-home evaluation to find out more.
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