Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Delirium (formerly acute confusional state, an ambiguous term that is now discouraged) [1] is a specific state of acute confusion attributable to the direct physiological consequence of a medical condition, effects of a psychoactive substance, or multiple causes, which usually develops over the course of hours to days.
Substance-induced delirium is a type of delirium caused mostly by Anticholinergic drugs and medications. This type of delirium is separate from the delirium in elderly and older people above 65 years of age, and is characterized by shorter duration (usually several hours), and the symptoms are highly influenced by the type of drug and amount consumed.
The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a diagnostic tool developed to allow physicians and nurses to identify delirium in the healthcare setting. [1] It was designed to be brief (less than 5 minutes to perform) and based on criteria from the third edition-revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R).
Some elderly people may find it hard to describe their symptoms in words, especially if the disease is causing confusion, or if they have cognitive impairment. Delirium in the elderly may be caused by a minor problem such as constipation or by something as serious and life-threatening as a heart attack. Many of these problems are treatable, if ...
In hospitals, the elderly face the very real problem of ageism. For example, doctors and nurses often mistake symptoms of delirium for normal elderly behavior. Delirium is a condition that has hyperactive and hypoactive stages. In the hypoactive stages, elderly patients can just seem like they are sleeping or irritable. [15]
Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol among others, is a typical antipsychotic medication. [9] Haloperidol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, tics in Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal.
Researchers are currently working on varying case studies to derive common clinical characteristics. Some frequent signs and symptoms include acute onset of delirium, mania or psychosis. [8] [3] Patients with Bell's mania have fluctuating severity of symptoms over time with altered consciousness and emotional lability.
Check for over-napping. People may wish to take naps during the day, but unintentionally getting too much sleep will affect nighttime sleep. Physical activity is a treatment for Alzheimer's and a way to encourage night sleep. [5] Caffeine is a (fast-working) brain stimulant, but should be limited at night if a night's sleep is needed. [4] [5] [10]