Delirium

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We often normalize a loved one being ‘confused’. However, this could indicate they are suffering from delirium or other illness such as dementia. 
 
Delirium is often confused with dementia as symptoms can be similar. Unlike dementia, delirium can happen quickly over hours or days, affecting an individual’s behaviour and thinking.

Delirium symptoms can include:

• increased confusion
• decreased ability to focus and pay attention
• impaired thinking
• restlessness
• agitation
• inappropriate behaviour
• hallucinations
• lethargy
• lack of interest in things they would normally enjoy
• reduced motor activity (staying in bed)
• incoherent speech
• being awake at night and sleeping during the day

There are several factors that can contribute to delirium including:

• suffering from another illness such as dementia, heart disease, Parkinson’s, etc.
• severe pain
• lack of sleep
• dehydration/poor nutrition
• not moving (immobility)
• vision or hearing loss
• medicine

Delirium is considered a medical emergency and can be a sign of a change in your health or the health of a person that is close to you.
 
People know their loved ones best and may recognize a subtle change before someone else. Delirium can be prevented and treated, but early intervention is key.
 
If you suspect someone may be experiencing delirium, tell your family physician or nurse practitioner or a member of the hospital healthcare team as soon as possible to inform their care plan. 
 
Treatment can include improving the person’s nutrition, increasing their fluids and encouraging them to participate in programs such as the Nova Scotia Health Early Mobility Program that is available at the nine regional hospitals across the province.
 
A person with delirium increases their chances of developing other medical complications and can increase their risk of dying in hospital. It can also increase frailty in older adults and impact a person’s ability to recover from illnesses and can lead to a permanent decline in cognition or function. It is also a risk factor for the development of dementia.
 
Recovery time from delirium varies from person to person. It can take up to several weeks or months for some people to return to their normal levels of memory and thinking. For others it could take months.

Learn More

• “This is not my mom.” A nurse practitioner’s journey to improve delirium recognition, prevention and recovery