If your loved one has Alzheimer's disease, it's normal for their memory and cognition to gradually decline over time. But sometimes this loss of consciousness or confusion can come on suddenly and unexpectedly, over a period of hours or days. If this happens to your loved one, see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be a sign of a serious condition called delirium.
Also, if he has a fever along with a low-grade fever, do n't ignore it. That is, if the temperature measured under the tongue is 37.2 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) or higher, or if it is about 1.2 degrees higher than his normal body temperature, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Simply put, what is Delirium?
Delirium is a sudden, severe mental confusion caused by the stress of a new health problem. It can last for hours or days, sometimes improve, and then recur. It can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you suspect your loved one may have delirium, keep an eye out for these signs.
| Main symptoms of delirium |
|---|
| - Attention is lost more quickly than usual. |
| - It's becoming much harder than usual to remember things. |
| - When talking, they talk about unrelated things, or it is difficult to understand what is being said. |
| - Becomes more active than usual, or appears very sleepy. |
| - They say they see things that aren't really there (Hallucinations). |
| - Abnormal emotions such as fear and depression suddenly appear. |
| - You can see a big change in personality within a few hours or days. |
| - Behavior suddenly changes from a state of alertness to confusion or drowsiness. |
This one symptom alone can be caused by other causes. But if several of these symptoms are seen together, it is much more likely to be delirium.
Most importantly, the main causes of delirium in an elderly person with dementia, such as Alzheimer's, are medications, painkillers and anesthetics given after surgery, and various infections .
What is the difference between Sundowning and Delirium?
Many people get confused between these two. Let's see what the difference is between the two.
Sundowning is a condition in which some people with diseases like Alzheimer's become agitated, restless, and confused in the evening or at night.
The main difference between the two is that delirium begins suddenly and waxes and wanes throughout the day , while sundowning is a pattern that occurs only in the evening or at night .
If your loved one experiences this type of restlessness in the evening for the first time, be sure to talk to a doctor to find out for sure whether it's just a hangover or delirium.
Although it is not yet known exactly why sleep apnea occurs, it is thought that factors such as daytime fatigue, lack of light, and changes in the body's internal clock may contribute to it.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Delirium | Starts suddenly. Symptoms may wax and wane throughout the day. Often caused by another medical condition (e.g., an infection). |
| Sundowning | It is a pattern that usually occurs only in the evening or at night. Anxiety and confusion increase at this time. |
How to provide care at home?
Since delirium is a result of another health problem, it is essential to find and treat the cause. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. In addition, there are several things you can do at home to manage this condition.
As a help for delirium:
- Speak calmly and lovingly: Look into the eyes when you talk to it. If possible, gently hold its hand and comfort it.
- Give simple, clear instructions: Don't say too many things at once, just say one thing.
- Remind yourself of your surroundings: Always remind yourself of the time, day, place, and who is around. However, if a person with Alzheimer's disease has been experiencing these reminders for a long time, it's best to agree with what they say.
- Keep the lighting good: Keep the lights on inside the house well. At night, leave a small light (night light) of about 40-60 watts on.
- Maintain a familiar environment: Keep the environment around him calm and familiar. Reduce noises like TV and radio. But complete silence is not good either. Put on a song he likes softly.
- Give them plenty of water to drink: Make sure they are drinking enough fluids.
- Check if glasses and hearing aids are being used properly: If you use glasses, make sure they are clean and in good condition. If you use an ear machine, make sure it is working and turned on.
As a help for sundowning:
- Increase the lighting in your home in the evening.
- Only give caffeine and sugary things in the morning. Keep afternoon and evening meals simple.
- Reduce daytime napping: Reduce afternoon sleepiness by engaging in daytime activities. Help your child get some exercise, like walking in the morning.
- Consider your own fatigue: If you're tired and stressed in the evening, he'll sense it too. It could make him even more stressed.
- Find the cause of the anxiety: Try to understand what is causing him to be anxious in the evening. Maybe it's the sound of the TV or people coming to the house. Reduce those things.
Things to pay special attention to
Also be aware of these things in a state of delirium:
- Agitation: They may become very restless, angry, yelling, or lashing out. At this time, check to see if they are hungry, thirsty, in pain, or have soiled their clothes.
- Falls: There is a high chance of falling due to confusion.
- Wandering: You may leave the house and get lost due to lack of awareness.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause dehydration.
Protect yourself too.
Caring for someone with delirium can be difficult, scary, and emotionally draining. Even the things you do to help can make them anxious. So it's important to think about your own mental health as well.
Remember, even though the things he says and does due to delirium are hurtful, they are not things he does out of control. That's part of the illness itself.
If he becomes aggressive, make sure that you and he are not in danger. Ask for help if necessary. You don't have to carry this burden alone.
Take-Home Message
- If a person with Alzheimer's suddenly experiences a sudden deterioration in their memory and behavior over a few hours or days, it could be delirium. See a doctor immediately.
- Delirium is usually a symptom of another medical condition, such as an infection, so it is essential to find and treat the cause.
- Sundowning is a feeling of anxiety in the evening. Delirium is a state of anxiety that waxes and wanes throughout the day. Understand the difference between the two.
- Keep the patient calm, loving, and in a familiar environment. Give them plenty of fluids.
- As a caregiver, it is very important to take care of your mental and physical health.
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