thcprn

Is it going in to an IV or into a nerve block?

It is scary, but it's useful to know.Unfortunately some people will chalk the confusion up to old age or dementia changes, and the confusion can cause injuries that start that spiral.Other times the injury itself causes the delirium. Fall Prevention is VERY IMPORTANT.

There are some forms of dementia that have a faster onset then the more common ones ( Alzheimers Dementia has a very slow progession over years) however dementia changes are generally a slow progression.

A fast onset change in behavior like that is usually Delirium, which can be caused by a huge amount of different things like medication changes, infection( bladder infection in the elderly often causes delirium), environmental changes, constipation, urinary problems, drug/alcohol withdrawal, grief, unrelieved pain, change in electrolytes/bloodwork and many more.

The confusion is essentially a symptom of something else in the body going wrong. It is important to identify the underlying cause and treat that in order to reverse the delirium.

Unfortunately in the elderly population an episode of delirium can lead them to lose their function and independence. I have seen many independent elderly people come into hospital with a broken bone and end up in long term care because of the spiral of complications that arises from untreated Delirium.

*Edit: correct spelling

Thanks for the great AMA! You have given wonderful answers.

I have recently championed an education initiative at the hospital I work at dealing with " Dementia/Delirium management in Acute Care Settings". In the education there are a lot of references to Teepa Snow, a Dementia Care Expert. She has amazing and entertaining educational videos on her youtube channel for anyone who is coping with a friend or family member with Dementia. It is wonderful for regulated caregivers as well!

http://www.youtube.com/user/teepasnow