Alzheimer's Care, Delirium, and Urinary Tract Infection

Delirium is a sudden alteration in mental status -- brain failure in a vulnerable individual, often an older adult with multiple health issues, caused by something else such as medications, urinary tract infection, lack of sleep, excessive light or noise or pain.Fact: an estimated 80 percent of patients in intensive care units experience delirium during their hospital stay; however, delirium is unrecognized in 60 percent of patients who experience it.Looking for Answers? How to Get Answers To Your Questions About Alzheimer's and DementiaStatistically having delirium is as serious as having a heart attack. Once delirium occurs, the same percentage of individuals die from it as die from a heart attack.By Alzheimer's Reading RoomSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:Alzheimer's caregivers take note. The dreaded urinary tract infection. Yikes.One of the most frequently discussed topics by Alzheimer's caregivers in support groups is theurinary tract infection. This happens because most persons living with dementia cannot tell you they are sick; and as a result, they often suffer from urinary tract infections that result in a trip to the hospital emergency room.I can't tell you how many "hair raising" emails I have received from caregiversdescribing hallucinations and delirium as a result of an infection, almost always a urinary tract infection.Topic -Dealing with hallucinations in dementia careOne big issue with infection is memory loss on the part of the person...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: care of dementia patients care of dementia patients at home delirium dementia care dementia confusion Hallucinate home care memory care Source Type: blogs