In This Episode:
Dr. K explains the basics of delirium, a state of worse-than-usual mental function that can affect up to 30-70% of older adults after surgery and during serious illnesses. She covers:
- Why delirium has been referred to as post-operative confusion or even ICU psychosis
- The story of her father’s delirium
- Why people often confuse delirium with dementia, and how the two conditions are related
- Why families often notice signs of delirium before doctors and nurses do
- 3 key reasons delirium is so important for us all to learn more about
- 10 things to know about delirium, including how it can be diagnosed, treated, and prevented
Related Resources:
Mom’s in hospital, very unusual, not her self. Want to understand more. I need some information, this sound what I need to know about what’s happening now with her.
Yes, being “not her usual self” during hospitalization would be very concerning for delirium.
If you want to learn more, I would recommend taking a look at the related resources, especially the article on hospital delirium and the longer article on 10 Things to Know About delirium. Good luck, I hope she feels better soon!