Looking out for signs of delirium

If you notice a loved one of any age showing signs of delirium, it is important to seek medical help promptly, as delirium can be a sign of an acute, serious illness.

14 Mar 2018

St John of God Midland Public Hospital Aged Care and Rehabilitation Physician Dr Chok Lui said delirium can impact people of all ages, as it is caused by illness, injuries (such as a broken bone after a fall), surgery or medicines.

“It can especially impact critically ill patients, older patients and those with cognitive impairment,” he said.

“It is important to be aware of the symptoms of delirium, as symptoms can be subtle or extreme and can develop quickly within hours or may take days.

“Delirium is basically a very rapid decline in brain function.”

Symptoms of delirium includes a combination of the following:

Reduced ability to concentrate
Lethargic
Confused
Sleepiness
Agitation
Hallucinations
Altered beliefs

Clinical Nurse Consultant Lyn Fell said anyone can get delirium.

“Older age and dementia greatly increase the chance of becoming delirious,” she said.

“It usually impacts one out of four older hospital patients.

“Delirium is different from dementia. Delirium comes on quickly and usually resolves over days while dementia develops slowly over a few months and mostly cannot be reversed.”

Dr Liu said it is important to treat patients for delirium, as even a brief course of delirium increases the risk of poor recovery from illness, nursing home placement and possibly dementia and death.

“Delirium is stressful for patients with frightening beliefs, like thinking they are in prison or in danger,” he said.

“Delirium also can be very stressful on families and caregivers.

“It is important patients with delirium are provided with personal and holistic care, as we do at St John of God Midland Public Hospital.

“The most important treatment for delirium is promptly targeting the underlying illnesses or adjusting medications that may have triggered delirium.”

During delirium, recovery may be helped by:

Making sure glasses and hearing aids are used
Getting patients up and out of bed
Reassurance, re-orientation and avoidance of conflict
Allowing night-time sleep
Gentle conversation, playing games, doing puzzles.

Visit Delirium.org for more information.