Underrecognition of delirium is a major problem. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are concerned for yourself or someone you care for.
Here are questions you can ask your healthcare professional about delirium.
- What is delirium? What are its symptoms?
- How long does delirium last?
- How is delirium treated?
- Can delirium be prevented?
- What causes delirium?
- The person I care for is going into the hospital. Are there things we can do to help prevent delirium?
- The person I care for is going to have surgery. Are there things we can do to help prevent delirium?
- The person I care for has been (more) confused lately. Do you think they may have delirium?
- Is there a serious health problem that is causing the person I care for to be (more) confused?
- Could the medications the person I care for is receiving be making them (more) confused? Can these medications be stopped or lowered?
- Could alcohol be causing the person I care for to be confused?
- Are there things we can do to keep the person I care for safe, now that they have delirium?