Delirium Awareness
What is Delirium?
- Sudden, severe brain function changes causing confusion and disorientation.
- Typically triggered by serious illnesses, medications, or substance withdrawal.
- Common in older adults, especially in hospitals or post-surgery.
Symptoms of Delirium
- Abnormal consciousness levels: agitation, sleepiness, or alternating between the two.
- Difficulty focusing, disorientation, hallucinations.
- Symptoms fluctuate, often worsening in the evening.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Common causes: infections (e.g., sepsis, UTIs), organ failure, postoperative states, substance withdrawal.
- Risk factors: advanced age, brain diseases (dementia, stroke), multiple medications, frailty, immobility, poor sensory input (vision/hearing), sleep deprivation.
Treatment and Management
- Identify and treat the underlying cause.
- Provide supportive care:
- Environment: Keep blinds open during the day, lights and TV on.
- Engagement: Encourage patients to be up out of bed for meals and engage in stimulating conversations.
- Ensure proper hydration, manage pain, and maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Recovery
- Delirium can resolve in hours to months.
- May lead to prolonged hospital stays or the need for long-term care.
- Ongoing support and monitoring needed after hospital discharge.
Additional Resources
Delirium Awareness Video (#icanpreventdelirium) from Creative Connection