Living with dementia often brings challenges such as anxiety, depression, and distress, which can significantly affect wellbeing for both individuals and their carers.
We recognise that good mental health is essential to living well with dementia. Please explore the useful links and resources below.
Delirium is a state of mental confusion which can happen if a person becomes unwell. Delirium can affect anyone, however it is more common in older people and those with a memory issue, such as dementia, are at greater risk.
Symptoms of delirium may include:
- Suddenly becoming more confused which can vary throughout the day
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Poor sleep pattern
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Mood changes
Only some of the above may be experienced however all are signs of delirium
Common causes include:
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Surgery
- High temperature
- Pain
- Constipation
- Inability to pass urine
- New medications
- Change of environment, including admission to hospital or care home
How to help when delirium is suspected:
- Inform your Doctor as soon as possible
- Try to ensure someone they know is with them
- Ensure glasses and hearing aids are clean and working
- Encourage/assist with eating and drinking
- Remind them of current time and place
- Stay calm
- Talk in short, straight forward sentences and try not to argue over unusual or incorrect ideas
- Remind them what is happening and how they are doing
- If in unfamiliar surroundings such as a hospital take in familiar items from home
Delirium can be distressing for all involved, but when the cause is treated the symptoms will usually improve. There are however a small number of cases where the symptoms do not completely go away, your GP can help to arrange the appropriate support if this is the case.