Recognizing Delirium
How to support a loved one who shows signs of delirium
Delirium is a serious medical condition that’s not always easy to recognize. While delirium often affects older adults, it can happen at any age. Knowing the signs of delirium may help you provide timely support for someone you love.
What is delirium?
Delirium is a sudden change in a person's mental state that comes and goes over short periods of time. Someone who has delirium may go from being restless and alert to sluggish and sleepy. They may find it hard to control their emotions, pay attention, or have a conversation.
Delirium can seriously impact a person’s health and their ability to care for themselves. If your loved one develops signs of delirium, let their health care provider know right away. In some cases, the cause of the delirium can be treated. In others, steps can be taken to help manage delirium and ensure your loved one’s safety and comfort.
Who is at risk of delirium?
While delirium can happen to anyone, it’s most common among older adults who have a serious illness. People who have dementia or have had a brain injury or stroke are at higher risk.
In most cases, something triggers delirium. It can happen after surgery or during a serious illness. Other causes include infection, dehydration, and some medications. Talk to your health care provider about steps to prevent delirium.
Signs of delirium
It’s important to remember that the signs of delirium can happen quickly. They can come and go over hours or days. A person may have one or both of the 2 main types of delirium:
Hypoactive: In a hypoactive state, people are sleepy and withdrawn. They may show little interest in their surroundings or have difficulty paying attention or staying awake.
Hyperactive: In a hyperactive state, people are excitable and agitated. They may become violent. They may believe in or see things that aren’t there.
Someone with delirium may also have the following symptoms:
Changes in sleep patterns
Confusion about time and place
Wandering attention
Disorganized thinking
Problems with memory and speech
Changes in mood or personality
Hallucinations
Delirium can be mistaken for other illnesses, such as depression or dementia. An episode of delirium increases the risk of dementia in a person without dementia. It may also be the first sign of dementia.
What to do if you suspect delirium
Delirium is a medical emergency. If it's not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to lasting problems or death. If you think a person has delirium, get medical help right away. If the person is at home, call 911. If they're in the hospital, tell a health care provider right away.
If your loved one has delirium, their health care team will try to find the cause and treat it. Sometimes, they can't find the cause. Or treatment may not be the best choice for the patient. In such cases, the main goal of treatment is to manage the delirium and keep your loved one safe and comfortable.
How VA can help
If you’re a caregiver, the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides services to caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care. CSP Teams are available at each VA Medical Center to help caregivers find support. To learn more about the Caregiver Support Program you can also contact the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
If you have questions about delirium, you can reach out to your health care team by sending a Secure Message.
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