What to Do if You Suspect a Loved One With Dementia Is Delirious

You've noticed that your loved one with dementia is suddenly more confused than usual -- and is perhaps showing other signs of delirium. Now what?

You're right to be concerned. Delirium is common among older adults with dementia and can be a surprising red flag to an undetected serious illness. Here's what to do:

1. Get a medical evaluation, fast.

Delirium can be the primary outward sign of a life-threatening illness.

If you're not already in a hospital setting, consider calling 911 or going to the emergency room if:

• There's been a head injury.

• There's been a fall or trauma that might have caused a broken bone or other significant injury.

• The person is having difficulty maintaining consciousness.

• The person is having more trouble breathing than usual.

• The person is much weaker than usual or is having difficulty standing.

• You notice other signs of an emergent medical problem, such as chest pain or signs of stroke.

If your loved one seems to be delirious but the above situations don't apply, take him or her to an urgent-care appointment. Preferably this should be with the person's primary care provider or someone else familiar with his or her medical history.

If your loved one is hospitalized, bring your concerns to the attention of an attending doctor or nurse immediately. Trust your instincts about what you're observing; you know the person's normal status better than anyone.

Whatever the setting, make sure that the person with dementia doesn't see a medical professional alone or with someone who's unfamiliar with his or her care. It's especially important with suspected delirium that the accompanying person be a caregiver who knows what's typical behavior for the person with dementia.

2. Gather up all medications to bring to the medical evaluation.

Medications are one of the most common causes of delirium in people with dementia. Even if your loved one's delirium isn't found to be due to medications, seeing exactly what he or she has been taking will be helpful to the doctor.

Be sure to include all over the-counter medications used (such as drugs for pain, cough or cold, allergies, and supplements). Also include medications that your loved one should be taking but perhaps hasn't been taking regularly or at all, and medications whose prescriptions have recently ended.