I have talked about my 94-year-old mom before for different reasons. Her dementia has gotten worse over the last year, but still recognizes everyone, remembers things, etc.
Saturday, I went to her AL and she was on the ground babbling. We (me and aides) got her up and they did all her vitals and tested her mobility and she seemed okay, but just mumbling nonstop. Probably should have taken her into the ER then.
Sunday, they checked on her and she was again on the floor babbling. They had paramedics come and bring her to the ER. She has been in hospital for a full day now, just babbling in bed. They say it's delirium, but don't know the causes.
They're wondering if a recent change to her meds (upping the Seroquel) is the cause. I talked with the station nurse now and they don't seem to be actively doing anything. I don't know if this just goes on forever or she snaps out of it or what?
Anyone had experience like this? Thanks.
They are weaning her off psych meds but added Ativan which really seemed to calm down the delirium so she can at least get rest .
Also earlier today her oxygen was down, which made them suspect pneumonia, and other vitals were down as well ,but they put her on oxygen and that seems to make other things better
Anyway, they dont know and say it may be a while before they do know
i looked it up at the time and other causes were side effects of medication
changes to environment causing temp delirium
it said ‘most’ cases disappear
my fathers did as soon as his infection cleared up
please get her checked out for any infection/medical issues
common cases dehydration / blood sugar/ reactions to medications / even vit deficiencies
check she’s actually drinking
Just to make sure I cover all the bases regarding delirium, I will copy paste a section of my book "Dementia Care Companion" which is available from Amazon at the following address that deals with delirium.
Delirium
Grandpa spent the early hours of the evening with family. But a couple of hours later, he has a fever and is lying in bed. He whines and talks incoherently. We don’t know what he sees or says; he doesn’t know either. He is half awake and half asleep.
Delirium is not a symptom of dementia. Rather, delirium signals a potentially serious medical condition such as infection, kidney or liver problems, or prescription drug interactions or side effects. It is usually accompanied by fever, sweating, changes in heart rate (increase or decrease), and changes in sleep patterns.
Unlike behavioral changes that are caused by dementia, delirium appears abruptly. It is marked by dramatic and rapid changes in the patient’s perception, attention, mood, speech, and ability to move or perform tasks. It appears within a few hours to several days of an underlying condition, and generally disappears if the underlying condition is properly treated.
Delirium is easily confused with behavioral issues such as hallucination, especially in patients who are no longer able to express themselves clearly. As a result, caregivers may fail to take action quickly enough, thereby delaying treatment and allowing the underlying condition to get worse.
· Delirium is a symptom of potentially serious medical conditions that need medical attention right away.
· Delirium may not be accompanied by fever all the time. Therefore in all cases of delirium, consult a doctor.
· People with delirium may do things that are quite dangerous, without realizing the danger, or even remembering doing them afterwards. Do not leave the patient alone.
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