One of my clients, “Ted” contacted me a few months ago concerned about his wife, “Wendy” who was diagnosed of Alzhiemers disease. Wendy has her “good” and “bad” days, but lately, Ted noticed that her bad days were really tough. On her bad days, Wendy could get really confused and not even recognize Ted.
Wendy seems to be exhibiting signs of delirium.
Ted is aware of delirium but he could not figure out what was causing it. One of the more common causes of delirium is dehydration, but whenever Ted would ask Wendy if she was thirsty, she said she wasn’t. After listening to Ted’s story, I suggested a different approach.
It is possible that Wendy’s delirium may be caused by dehydration. I advised Ted to cue her to take a sip. He can also support and encourage her to drink by having a drink with her. He can do this many times during the day.
A month later, Ted called to let me know that since he tried this new approach, Wendy seems to be “more herself” and has been having more positive days. She also seemed to have less episodes of confusion (which is a common sign of delirium).
Delirium and Dementia
Delirium is often missed among people with dementia because the signs of delirium mimic or are similar to dementia (e.g., confusion, agitation). Unlike dementia, however, delirium has a sudden onset and if treated, is reversible. Delirium is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
One of the most common causes of delirium is infection (e.g., urinary tract infection, respiratory infection), pain and dehydration.) These conditions require treatment and management. An individual with dementia and untreated delirium can experience an irreversible decline in health and cognitive function. It is therefore important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of delirium as soon as possible to prevent deterioration in a person’s well-being and worsening of their dementia. Click here to learn more about delirium.
Caring for someone living with dementia has its challenges; the biggest of which is figuring out what the person needs and what they are communicating to us through their behaviour. One of the key messages in Ted and Wendy’s story is that it is not always “just because of a person’s progressing dementia.” Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent further suffering and health deterioration. Ted was on the right path. He knew that his wife was experiencing delirium due to dehydration. He just needed to try a different approach and patiently observe what works. Keeping ourselves informed and educated is the best thing we can do to support someone with dementia and for ourselves as their caregivers.
If you have concerns about a loved one or a friend and don’t know what to do, you are not alone. Reach out and ask for help. We can help by brainstorming ideas with you that will best suit your situation. Begin by contacting us through our website www.DementiaSolutions.ca to arrange your free 20-minute consultation with one of our Dementia Care Advisors.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only. They are not intended to replace clinical diagnosis or medical advice from a health professional.
