What is the most common cause of delirium?

Overall, the most common causes of delirium are the following: Drugs, particularly drugs with anticholinergic effects , psychoactive drugs, and opioids. Dehydration. Infections, such as pneumonia , a bloodstream infection (sepsis ), infections that affect the whole body or cause a fever, and urinary tract infections.

What causes delirium acquired?

People who already have dementia or are particularly frail are at higher risk of acquiring the condition. Once in hospital, delirium can be caused by a combination of numerous factors, including surgery, infection, isolation, dehydration, poor nutrition and medications such as painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills.

What are reversible causes of delirium?

Reversible causes of delirium are outlined by the following acronym (DELIRIUM): Drugs, including any new medications, increased dosages, drug interactions, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, etc. Electrolyte disturbances, especially dehydration and thyroid problems.

What part of the brain causes delirium?

Cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone in the acute stress environment. It has been shown that cortisol, or glucocorticoid, has delirious effects on memory and mood when secreted excessively. The hippocampus is the part of the brain where learning and memory take place.

What are some of the major complications of delirium?

Complications of delirium may include the following:

• Malnutrition, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.
• Aspiration pneumonia.
• Pressure ulcers.
• Weakness, decreased mobility, and decreased function.
• Falls and combative behavior leading to injuries and fractures.
• Wandering and getting lost.

Can you recover from hospital delirium?

In fact, it’s pretty common for it to take weeks — or even months — for delirium to completely resolve in an older adult. In some cases, the person never recovers back to their prior normal.

What is the best medication for delirium?

Treatment for delirium depends on the cause. Treatments may include: Antibiotics for infections. Fluids and electrolytes for dehydration….Antipsychotic drugs include:

• Haloperidol (Haldol®).
• Risperidone (Risperdal®).
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa®).
• Quetiapine (Seroquel®).