Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction, particularly common among seniors. Dr. Yang Cong-cai, director of a psychiatric clinic, explains that many families notice the elderly suddenly becoming confused&mdashthis may be delirium. Recognizing symptoms and high-risk groups helps with early detection and prevention.

The 8 Key Symptoms of Delirium in Older Adults
Dr. Yang identifies the hallmark traits: confusion, cognitive impairment, and attention deficits, with rapid onset and fluctuating course. Common symptoms include:

✦ Acute onset: Rapid development, distinct from chronic cognitive impairment like dementia.
✦ Confused consciousness: Difficulty grasping surroundings, incoherent speech, nonsensical utterances.
✦ Attention issues: Easily distracted or unresponsive to external stimuli.
✦ Cognitive decline: Loss of short-term memory, disorientation in time/place, inability to recognize loved ones.
✦ Perception disturbances: Possible hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, or fear.
✦ Symptom fluctuations: Varying day to day, unlike dementia&rsquos persistent decline.
✦ Sleep disturbances: Reversed sleep-wake cycle, worsened at night (i.e., &ldquosundowning&rdquo).
✦ Emotional instability: May include anxiety, agitation, depression, or apathy.Vitamin B1 deficiency may lead to Wernicke&rsquos encephalopathy, which can further result in delirium. (Image/Heho Health)

8 High-Risk Groups for Delirium
Those at higher risk include:

✦ Elderly, especially those 75+ years
✦ Dementia patients
✦ Hospitalized or post-surgical patients
✦ Individuals with multiple chronic diseases
✦ Those with infections or acute illness
✦ Alcohol or drug abuse users
✦ Malnourished or dehydrated individuals
✦ Socially isolated or chronically sleep-deprived persons

How to Prevent Delirium in Seniors?
Dr. Yang emphasizes:

✦ Maintain mental and emotional stability
✦ Avoid unnecessary medications
✦ Ensure balanced nutrition and adequate hydration
✦ Stick to a routine and good sleep hygiene
✦ Encourage social interaction
✦ Provide a safe and familiar environmentSo if an elderly person suddenly shows signs of delirium, it may indicate an acute onset of illness somewhere in the body. (Image/Heho Health)

Although delirium develops suddenly and presents clear symptoms, prompt recognition and active treatment can result in favorable recovery. Family members should closely monitor their elders and seek professional medical attention when needed to preserve quality of life.