Mate kuawa Delirium

Delirium is a temporary state of confusion. It is a serious condition but usually has an underlying cause. Once the cause is treated, most people get better.

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Causes of delirium

Delirium can be caused by a range of things including:

  • infections
  • head injuries
  • dehydration
  • electrolyte imbalances such as low sodium. 

As people get older, they are more susceptible to delirium, especially if they are:

  • frail
  • unwell or
  • living with dementia.

Infections are a leading cause of delirium in older people, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia. If your whānau member has an infection, it should be identified and treated as soon as possible.

Whatever the cause, delirium is a serious condition and needs urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms of delirium

If someone has delirium, they will experience a sudden change in thinking and behaviour from what is normal for them. They may:  

  • have trouble paying attention
  • be easily distracted or unable to follow a conversation
  • say or do things that do not make sense
  • hear voices or see things that other people do not (hallucinations)
  • develop strange beliefs or think people are trying to harm them
  • be sleepier, withdrawn, quieter or slower than usual
  • be restless, worried, annoyed or angry
  • have trouble staying awake during the day or not sleeping at night
  • become newly incontinent of wee (urine) or poo (faeces).

These symptoms may come and go across the day.

Help a person get to a doctor as soon as possible if you notice sudden changes for the worse in their thinking, memory or personality.

Diagnosing delirium

Your doctor or other healthcare provider will diagnose your delirium and look for what is causing it.

They will ask questions about symptoms and what medicines you are taking — particularly any new or changed ones. You may need to have a blood or urine test or sometimes an x-ray to help find a cause.

It is important someone who knows you well explains what is different about you, as it is hard to notice and describe delirium in yourself.

Treating delirium

Delirium usually gets better when the cause or causes are treated. You may get better quickly but sometimes it can take several days or weeks to recover.

It is important people around someone experiencing delirium are supportive and compassionate — as delirium can be frightening for all involved.

Complications of delirium

Recovery from delirium depends to some extent on your health and mental status before symptoms began. If you were in good health, you are more likely to fully recover.

People with other serious, long-lasting or terminal illnesses may not regain the thinking skills or function they had before the onset of delirium.

Delirium in seriously ill people is more likely to lead to:

  • a general decline in health
  • poor recovery from surgery
  • the need for long-term care
  • an increased risk of death.

Preventing delirium

There are some simple strategies that can reduce your risk of delirium.

  • Keep your mind stimulated — have daily conversations, read, listen to music, play games and do puzzles.
  • Move — be physically active at least 3 times a day.
  • Sleep well — use techniques to promote relaxation and getting enough sleep.
  • Seeing and hearing — ensure your hearing aids and gasses are clean, working and used if they are needed.
  • Stay hydrated — make sure you have at least 6 cups of fluid throughout the day.
  • Eat well — make sure you have nutritious food throughout the day. 'Graze' little and often if main meals are difficult.
  • Regular toilet trips — eating, drinking and being physically active can help prevent constipation.
  • Take pain relief — if you are in pain, it is important this is controlled.