Causes of temporary confusion and disorientation.

• WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR  DELIRIUM?

  ·       Being over the age of 85.

  ·       Commonly occurs after surgery in the elderly.

  ·       Pre-existing memory loss, cognitive impairment and known Dementia.

  ·       Functional impairment in day-to-day living including poor mobility and a history with falls.

  ·       Other underlying neuro-degenerative walking and balance disorders.

  ·       Background of stroke or Parkinson's disease.

  ·       Pre-existing depression and other psychiatric illness.

  ·       Infection is one of the commonest causes of delirium, either chest or urine infections.

  ·       Adverse drug reactions, including to narcotic analgesics, pain-killers, Parkinson's medication, sedatives and anti-psychotic medications.

  ·       Taking multiple medications.

  ·       Low serum Sodium which can be caused by drugs such as SSRI anti-depressants, Thiazide diuretics including Indapamide and the HCT (plus components) of anti-hypertensives such as ACE and ARBs.

  ·       Poor vision and hearing.

  ·       Multiple chronic medical illnesses.

  ·       Dehydration.

  ·       Constipation.

  ·       Urinary retention in itself can cause delirium.

  ·       Urinary catheters.

  ·       Following falls and head injury.

  ·       Poorly controlled pain.

  ·       Worsening heart failure.

  ·       Worsening renal failure.

  ·       Worsening liver failure.

  ·       Heavy alcohol consumption or withdrawal from alcohol, sleeping pills or other medications, or a combination.

  ·       Hypoglycaemia- low blood glucose.

  ·      Worsening chronic lung disease-hypoxia- low oxygen levels.  

For more information read Dr Peter Lipski’s book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health. Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition”.