As our loved ones age, we often hear the terms Dementia and Delirium when an individual suffers from memory loss. Let's look at each of these terms and better understand what each is and the facts you should know about each. How do you know what your loved one has, and is memory loss a normal part of aging?
Dementia is an umbrella term under which many different types of Dementia are grouped. The most common form of Dementia is Alzheimer's Disease, followed by vascular dementia and then Lewy Body dementia. Although these three types of Dementia are the most common, over 100 different types of Dementia are known today.
Delirium is a temporary mental state characterized by confusion, anxiety, incoherent speech, hallucinations, and a lack of awareness of someone's surroundings. Often , delirium is connected to a change in medication, surgery, an infection such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, the flu, alcohol or drug use or withdrawal, or low sodium. Delirium usually comes on fast, within hours or days, whereas Dementia has a progressive decline over a more extended period. With delirium, symptoms can come and go during the day and often worsen at night. This is because a person's surroundings are less familiar when it's dark. Because their surroundings are new, you may also find that delirium happens when a senior is in a hospital or just after admission into a long-term care community. They have not adjusted to their new environment.
Delirium or Dementia?
So, how do you know if your loved one has Dementia or delirium? These can be hard to tell apart, and a person could be experiencing both. An example is an individual with Alzheimer's who recently got a urinary tract infection (UTI). The individual is more confused than usual and may be experiencing some symptoms (hallucinations or incoherent speech) that they usually don't experience; this could result from having delirium while experiencing the UTI. Once the UTI is corrected, you will see the symptoms caused by the delirium go away.
Some of the main differences between Delirium and Dementia are:
· Onset: Delirium will be a quick onset within a day or two. Dementia is a slower progression.
· Attention: Someone with delirium will experience problems with being able to stay focused. A person with early-stage Dementia will typically remain generally alert.
· Rapid changes in symptoms: A person with delirium can experience symptoms on and off throughout the day. A person with Dementia can have good or bad days and may experience some decline during different times of the day (sundowners), but for the most part, their memory and thinking will stay constant.
Note: Testing for Dementia shouldn't be done if you suspect the individual may be experiencing delirium. Rule the delirium out before completing tests for Dementia so your results will be accurate.
Is Dementia a Normal Part of Aging? No, it is not! As individuals age, it is normal to have periods of forgetfulness, which is much different from Dementia. How does someone know if they are experiencing normal age-related forgetfulness, or could it be Dementia?
Normal aging
Making a bad decision once in a while
Missing a monthly payment
Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Losing things from time to time
Alzheimer's disease
Making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time
Problems taking care of monthly bills
Losing track of the date or time of the year
Trouble having a conversation
Misplacing things often and being unable to find them
(This information was from the National Institute On Aging - Forgetfulness: Normal or Not? | National Institute on Aging)
If you are concerned about a loved one's memory and are unsure if you see normal forgetfulness or possibly dementia, have your loved one tested. Testing is essential because if they do have dementia finding it early gives you options for possible treatments that may slow down the progression. It is also very beneficial to know what type of Dementia a person has; remember there are over 100 different types of Dementia, so don't assume your loved one has Alzheimer's Disease. Different Dementia's have different symptoms and treatments. If you know which Dementia your loved one has, you will be better prepared to educate yourself on how to work with them to ensure their highest quality of life.
Cheryl J. Wilson, M.S.
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