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Delirium

How to cope with delirium

Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s mental abilities which can cause confusion, disorientation or lack of concentration. These symptoms can appear very suddenly (usually in a matter of days).

Dementia is the biggest risk factor for delirium. Older people in hospital can also be at risk of delirium.

Symptoms of delirium can vary throughout the day and include:

  • Being less alert and responsive

  • Being distracted

  • Being disorientated, such as not knowing where they are

  • Suddenly being unable to do things they can normally do such as eating or walking

  • Sudden changes in mood

  • Paranoia – thinking that someone is out to get them or accusing someone close to them of wrongdoing

  • Being restless

  • Hallucinating

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Types of delirium

There are several types of delirium:

  • Hyperactive – very active

  • Hypoactive – not active enough

  • Mixed – where a person can switch from one type to the other during the day

During hyperactive delirium, a person may hallucinate or think that someone is trying to harm them.

Hypoactive delirium means the person will be withdrawn or tired. Mixed delirium means the person will have symptoms of both.

Causes of delirium

Key causes include:

  • Dementia

  • Pain

  • Age

  • Infections such as urinary tract infections

  • Dehydration

  • Poor appetite

  • Constipation

  • Surgery

  • Multiple medications

  • Sight and hearing problems

  • Organ failure

Treating delirium

Delirium should be diagnosed and treated swiftly as it can be life-threatening. If you suspect signs of delirium, it’s important to seek medical help straight away. If you can’t get the person’s GP to see them, call 111 for advice or call 999 if the person suddenly becomes very confused.

You can check the following:

  • Alert – is the person tired or agitated

  • Aware – do they know their age or where they are

  • Attention – are they able to focus on a task

  • Acute – do their symptoms come and go?

What to do if someone has delirium

  • Seek medical help right away

  • Don’t leave the person alone

  • Let the person know you will stay with them until they receive help

  • Tell the person who you are if need be

  • Speak slowly and calmly, and use short sentences

  • Reassure the person as much as necessary

  • Avoid changing their routine

  • Avoid stimulation such as lights, noise or too many people

  • Make the person drinks to keep them hydrated

Ways to prevent delirium

You can reduce the risk of delirium by:

  • Keeping the person well hydrated

  • Making sure they take their medication

  • Sticking to their usual routine to minimise confusion

Delirium and Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia can cause visual hallucinations which can come and go throughout the day. Delirium can be harder to spot in a person with Lewy body dementia as symptoms are similar.

 

 

Sources:

Dementia UK

file:///Users/christina/Desktop/dementia-uk-delirium.pdf

Alzheimer’s Society

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/delirium