Acute Confusion Delirium

Sudden confusion is a medical red flag, not a normal part of aging

Step by Step

Delirium is a sudden change in alertness and thinking, often worse at night, with muddled conversation, agitation or unusual drowsiness, and sometimes hallucinations. It is common in older people during illness and always means something physical is wrong: infection, low oxygen, medication, dehydration, stroke, low blood sugar, or head injury. Do not assume dementia, which comes on slowly over years. Seek urgent medical assessment, and call emergency services for sudden confusion with fever, breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, head injury, or if the person is very drowsy. While waiting, keep the person safe from falls, calm, and quietly lit, have a familiar person present, and note their medicines. Mention every drug, including sleeping tablets and alcohol, since withdrawal itself can cause delirium.