Delirium

What is delirium?

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Sometimes we think it’s normal when someone we care about seems “confused.” But this can be a sign of a serious medical problem called delirium.

Delirium can look like dementia, but they are different. Delirium starts suddenly -- over hours or days -- while dementia develops slowly over months or years.  

Delirium is a medical emergency. It can be a sign of a change in your health or the health of a person close to you. Family and friends often notice early changes because they know the person best.  

Common symptoms include:

• More confusion than usual
• Trouble paying attention
• Thinking or speaking unclearly
• Feeling restless or upset
• Behaving in ways that are not normal for them
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Being very tired or unusually quiet
• Losing interest in usual activities
• Moving less or staying in bed
• Talking in a way that doesn’t make sense
• Awake at night and sleepy during the day 

What can cause Delirium?

Delirium can happen for many reasons, including:

• Other illnesses like dementia, heart disease or Parkinson’s disease
• Infection
• Pain that is not well controlled
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration or poor nutrition
• Not moving around
• Vision or hearing problems
• Side effects from medicine

Delirium can be prevented and treated. If you notice sudden changes like these in yourself or someone you care about, contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or someone from the hospital care team right away so they can plan the right care. Acting quickly can make a big difference.

Ways to prevent or treat delirium in the hospital

While in hospital, you can help reduce delirium by:

• Keeping glasses and hearing aids close by  
• Staying active – ask if the Nova Scotia Health Early Mobility Program is available
• Eating well and drinking plenty of fluids
• Keeping a routine — stay awake during the day and sleep at night
• Having medications checked by your care team
• Bringing familiar items from home, like photos or a favourite blanket
• Keeping glasses and hearing aids close by
• Using a clock or calendar to help you remember the time and what day it is.

Recovery from delirium

Delirium can lead to other health problems and may increase the chance of dying while in hospital. For older adults, it can cause weakness, and sometimes long-term problems with memory or daily activities. It may also increase the risk of getting dementia.  

Recovery from delirium is different for everyone. Some people get better within weeks, while others may need several months to return to their usual memory and thinking.