It seems that I’m seeing the word delirium all over the place. Um, could that mean that I’m having some – issues? Well, perhaps. I prefer to say that it’s because I’ve been researching this sometimes tragic result of hospitalization, especially with elders, and it’...
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Delerium vs. dementia
Linda
Tuesday, July 03, 2007 at 11:19 AMre: Delerium vs. dementia
Carol Bradley Bursack
Tuesday, July 03, 2007 at 11:48 AMGood points, all. That is why medical people need to look at every possible cause, before diagnosing dementia. You have obviously been a wonderful advocate for your parents.
Carol
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Delirium is a medical diagnosis with many of the same symptoms as dementia, but the cause is illness. The toxins from MRSA, for example, will causes signs of dementia, perhaps even taking away the ability to speak. Sepsis causes delirium. UTI's and pneumonia can make a person delirius, or out of it, but they're not demented, just sick and the diagnosis should be delirium.
A diagnosis of dementia is a terrible label, especially if the person is suffering from an undiagnosed infection, because it means care will be denied and the person will be covertly urged to die. They're written as off as better off dead. I know. It happened to my father who died. Almost happened to my mother. And yes, it was infection, MRSA in one and C.Diff in the other.
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