This abrupt change in the brain can hinder thinking, remembering, sleep, and focus.
A national survey by AARP of Americans over 50 found that only about one quarter are familiar with delirium.
About one-third of those who had experienced delirium reported longer hospital stays because of the disorienting brain fog.
Those additional days can translate into an increase in health care spending.
Nearly four in ten adults who experienced delirium said they have lasting effects at least to a small degree.
Risk factors associated with delirium include sensory impairment, uncontrolled pain, and depression.
More than one-quarter said their loved one was not aware of any of the strategies.
The treatments that did help?
Providers of health care believe in noninvasive efforts to address delirium; still, the vast majority embrace medications.
Four in five health care providers say the use of antipsychotic medication is at least somewhat effective.
The AARP polling highlights the need for a better understanding of delirium.
In the long term, delirium can impair memory or cause depression, confusion, or loss of motivation.
Delirium sufferers are also more likely to suffer from pain and arthritis, and have mental health concerns.
Adults want to know about delirium, AARP discovered.
The AARP surveys were conducted online in November 2019.
For more information, just contact Laura Mehegan atlmehegan@aarp.org.
For media inquiries, just contactmedia@aarp.org.
Scott Miller, Cultivating a Culture of Health: Leaders Transforming Their Communities
