Although dementia is often the culprit behind the confusion, forgetfulness, and disorientation experienced by older adults, there’s another condition to be mindful of. It is widely prevalent, causes similar symptoms, and most importantly, is curable: delirium. As a matter of fact, as many as ¾ of seniors experience delirium after a surgical procedure or infection, and proper diagnosis is critical to ensure correct treatment. And not only that – there are steps that can be taken to prevent delirium in seniors as well.
One of the largest differentiators in delirium is its rapid onset, and its propensity to produce symptoms that come and go throughout the day, compared to dementia’s slow, steady, ongoing and rather predictable decline. For example, a senior with delirium may struggle to recognize or recall the name of a family member or friend, get confused in their surroundings, hallucinate, or have problems with communicating – but later in the day, fully recover functionality of these abilities.
There are particular types of delirium, however, with distinctive symptoms. In hyperactive delirium, the senior will typically display restlessness, agitation, and hyperactivity; while in hypoactive delirium, the opposite is the case, with sleepiness/lethargy, inactivity, and a reduced response time – symptoms that can be easily mistaken for dementia or even depression.
Delirium is caused by infections and fever, certain medicines, or hospital procedures, and with appropriate treatment, can be reversed within a matter of weeks. If delirium is misdiagnosed as dementia and left untreated, however, functionality is likely to continue to decline, often leading to the onset of dementia. Thus it is crucial for family members to carefully monitor the condition of the seniors they love to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment plan are in place.
There are several steps older adults can take to reduce their chance of developing delirium, such as:
- Remaining active, both physically and mentally, through at least 10 – 20 minutes of physical activity three times a week, and engaging in mind-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, conversations, and music
- Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition (if the senior’s appetite is impacted, it can help for the person to share meals with a friend, relative, or professional caregiver)
- Wearing glasses and hearing aids when necessary
- Getting plenty of sleep, more easily accomplished when the person is active during the day, limits naps as well as caffeine, and ends each day with a calming activity such as listening to quiet music or reading
For personalized care assistance for a senior with dementia or delirium, or any other chronic health condition, contact Amy’s Helping Hands, the top provider of home care in Windsor, Ontario and the surrounding areas. Reach out to us any time online or at 519.915.4370 to request your in-home assessment.
