Sudden confusion in an older adult (delirium)

Overview

Delirium comes on fast and can come and go during the day.

It's often the first sign of infection in older adults.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden confusion
• New confusion or not acting like themselves

Less common

• Sleepy or agitated
• Seeing things
• Trouble sleeping at night

Look up a symptom: Fever · New confusion or not acting like themselves · Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults
• Dementia

Diagnosis

Doctors look for the cause.

Questions you may be asked

• Medicines, recent illness

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood and urine tests:

Treatment

Support the person.

Self-care

• Bring glasses and hearing aids
• Keep a clock and calendar visible
• Encourage sleep at night
• Keep familiar objects nearby
• Help with eating and drinking

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a geriatrician (doctor for older adults).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with dementia: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Often clears when treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What caused this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sudden confusion in an older adult (delirium)