Medical Problems
People with Alzheimer's also can have other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, vascular disease and prostate cancer. As Arizona's leading provider of Alzheimer's clinical resources, Banner Alzheimer's Institute offers these suggestions about helping dementia patients with other medical conditions.
When a person develops a dementia, it is critical to properly manage these other health problems because they can worsen the symptoms of dementia with a condition called “delirium.” Delirium is considered a medical emergency and need prompt medical attention
Signs of delirium:
- Relatively sudden onset
- Confusion about date, place, and people that fluctuates widely throughout the day
- Disorganized, incoherent or rambling speech
- Decreased ability to focus, sustain or shift attention
- Sleepiness or hyperactivity
- Sudden, unexplained behaviors:
- Fear
- Depression
- Decreased activity
- Euphoria
If you see these changes in the person with dementia they should be seen by a physician in the office, emergency room, or urgent care within 10-12 hours.Consider delirium/acute confusion a medical emergency.
Common causes of delirium:
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Advice for caregivers for those with dementia and other medical conditions:
- Hospitals are inhospitable places for people with dementia. Try to have a private room to minimize disruptions and noise.
- Try to be with the person as much as possible
- Bring something for the person to do while in the hospital
- Minimize watching TV while in the hospital room
- Plan the discharge on the day of admission
For more information
This advice was adapted from "When Memory Fades. . . The Caregiver's Challenge Begins,'' offered by Banner Alzheimer's Institute.
