Sight problems in older people
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Confusion or delirium in older people can happen quite quickly and needs urgent medical attention. If your parent seems unusually confused or disorientated then do not delay seeking immediate medical advice – they could have delirium and need emergency care.
Delirium is a sudden worsening of a person’s mental state. It starts rather suddenly – over the course of a few hours or days – and is triggered by a physical condition of some sort. It is usually temporary and it improves once the underlying problem resolves. Although most people get better quite quickly, around one in five people continue to be affected for weeks or even months.
It can be triggered by a range of physical conditions such as an infection, surgery, injuries, the side effects of medicines, or even constipation. Sometimes there is more than one cause and sometimes the cause is never found.
Delirium is more common in older people, and those with hearing or sight loss, frailty or multiple illnesses. Someone who has had delirium is more likely to suffer from it again.
Delirium affects people differently. Sometimes the symptoms are worse at night time.
Symptoms include:
Confusion can also be a symptom of depression, a head injury or another serious illness so do not delay – seek help.
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October 2020, updated Jan 2022
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