Some other causes of confusion

Delirium – sometimes called ‘toxic confusional state’

A person who has delirium can often show similar symptoms to a person who has dementia.

Delirium often develops quickly and is usually reversible.

What happens:

• hallucinations and delusions are often present and come on quickly. They might hear, see or think things which are not ‘real’.
• thinking and reasoning are usually affected significantly, and
• severe confusion is often present.

Possible causes:

• anaemia
• low blood sugar, hormone imbalance
• diarrhoea / constipation
• intolerance to medication
• infection: chest infection/ urinary tract infection
• recent major operation
• dehydration, and
• pain.

It is important to point out that dementia and delirium can occur together.

Depression

A person who is depressed can often show similar symptoms to a person who has dementia.

This is because depression effects:

• concentration
• motivation, and
• ability to manage everyday tasks.

Myth: A person with dementia does not get depressed

Important note: A person may have dementia and also have delirium and /or depression.

Treatment options need to be explored for depression and delirium.