Causes
The onset of delirium can be triggered by a person being physically unwell or when there has been a sudden change in medication. There are also some other factors that can increase the risk of experiencing delirium.
Possible causes
- Changes to prescribed drugs (and starting and stopping them).
- A change to the person’s environment such as a house move, a move into a nursing home or a move between hospital wards.
- Poor hearing or vision (including not having their glasses or hearing aid).
- Lack of oxygen or low blood pressure.
- Having an infection.
- Pain and anxiety.
- Constipation and, or problems passing urine.
- Dehydration and a lack of important vitamins and calories.
- Problems with the kidneys and liver.
Risk factors
- People with dementia.
- People who are dehydrated or have a poor appetite.
- People with an infection (although low level infection may not show up on tests).
- People who are constipated or have urine retention.
- Older people.
- People who have had surgery, particularly hip surgery.
- Older people taking multiple medications.
- People with sight and hearing difficulties.
- People who are nearing the end of their life.
- People who are in pain.
- People in an unfamiliar or distressing environment.