Delirium is one of the most common illnesses that can strike elders. An acute disorder of attention and cognition is seen most commonly in people aged 65 years or older.
Delirium is often confused with dementia and both are thought to be the same illness. The main difference between the two is dementia appears slowly and can take years before it becomes serious enough to become noticeable. Delirium, on the other hand, appears rapidly over the course of a few days, sometimes even hours. One of the main reasons delirium is often unrecognized in most elders is that it can be described using many different terms or names. Previously used terms to describe delirium are:
Delirium is a neurological illness, therefore, causing disruption in brain activity which can lead to many different symptoms. Symptoms may appear differently in each individual and can also fluctuate. The most common term used to describe delirium is sundowning because individuals suffering from this illness can get better during the day and worse as nighttime approaches. The main symptom of delirium is confusion which can cause trouble with many everyday activities, including
A full list of symptoms can be found here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15252-delirium
In 6 out of 10 people delirium disappears within 6 days. Others may have some symptoms for longer. About 1 in 20 people may still have delirium more than a month after they first had symptoms. Delirium can fall into 3 categories depending on the symptom patterns.
1) Hyperactive delirium. This type of delirium is often also known as “excited delirium” as its symptoms involve higher activity levels, such as:
– Agitation
– Aggression
– Mood swings
-Lack of sleep
– Delusions and hallucinations
– Inability to control impulsive thoughts and appear to have a lack of “filter” when speaking.
2) Hypoactive delirium. This type of delirium often gets mistaken for fatigue or depression as it involved lower activity levels. Symptoms include:
– Reduced facial expressions and speaking.
– Low response rate to changes in the environment
-Apathy, lack of interest in surroundings
– Sluggishness, lethargy
– Diminished interest or participation in your care.
3) Mixed. This type of delirium can combine features of both hyperactive and hypoactive delirium. It can appear as either of the following:
Typical activity level: Activity levels appear similar to before but you are confused and not entirely aware of your surroundings.
Shifting activity level: Shifting between hyperactive and hypoactive delirium types. Symptoms can fluctuate between the two showing drowsiness and fatigue during the day and agitation and aggression during the night.
I worked with a client who had delirium for almost a year following hospitalization for pneumonia. The family was advised that she had dementia, and Memory Care was recommended. When I began working with her, we found that her cognitive ability improved, and her confusion disappeared. We decided she could manage her day independently with minimal support, so we moved her to an Independent Living unit. Since the move, she has been more content, self-assured, and interactive, and she has even made new friends. It is important to remember to assess situations regularly because this positive outcome is not the norm.
Delirium can be caused by several reasons and stressors. Delirium occurs when the “balancing act” between your functional capacity, functional limitations and other stressors gets pushed too far. The brain becomes unable to balance the functional limitations with internal or external stressors. When stressors outweigh the functional capacity, your body can handle, delirium can occur. For a full list of stressors and risk factors, click here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15252-delirium
Finding reliable and accurate information can be challenging on the internet. The best way to determine any illness is to consult your doctor. However, if you feel like doing your own research, McMaster Optimal Aging Portal is an excellent website to refer to when researching. Their content is targeted toward seniors determined to assist them in finding accurate information and reliable resources. Their blog posts are based on scientific evidence and written by professionals with expertise on particular topics. In addition to the blog posts, they also post videos discussing a wide range of topics related to healthy aging and offer interactive online lessons. Their information is presented in a user-friendly manner with language that is free of technical jargon and simply distributes information. Websites like these are a great way for seniors to get reliable information while also keeping their cognitive wheels turning.
If you or a loved one is experiencing delirium, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Delirium can be a serious condition, and it is important to get the right treatment in order to prevent complications. With the right help and support, those who are affected by delirium can recover and live a full and healthy life. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Please connect with Fluid Senior Transitions -(416) 518-2734 [email protected]
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