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What Do Confusion And Mumbling By An Elderly Person Indicate?
Question: Hi, my name is XXXXXXX My Mom's is XXXX is 83 and is a diabetic. She has no heart conditions we are aware of but as of today she is Lost (deer in the headlites look) talks (mumbles) but can make a sentence or answers questions. Does not know me her daughter. Wanders around "lost" I think she has a UTI, had
them before & causes her to go wonky, but not like this. She had several TIA in her late 30's---none since that I am aware of. I became her caregiver last year.
them before & causes her to go wonky, but not like this. She had several TIA in her late 30's---none since that I am aware of. I became her caregiver last year.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from that description I would say that the most likely explanation for those symptoms would be dementia. A infection such as an UTI may worsen symptoms in the elderly with previously mild dementia.
However dementia is a syndrome which may have different causes. Most common one is Alzheimer's but there are other causes such as stroke, tumor etc.
So given the abrupt onset, before labeling it as dementia worsened by infection, it would be wise to consider the possibility of an acute event like stroke. Metabolic issues such as blood glucose alterations, altered kidney or liver function etc should also be considered.
For that reason I believe some routine blood tests as well as brain imaging is required, even in an ER setting.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from that description I would say that the most likely explanation for those symptoms would be dementia. A infection such as an UTI may worsen symptoms in the elderly with previously mild dementia.
However dementia is a syndrome which may have different causes. Most common one is Alzheimer's but there are other causes such as stroke, tumor etc.
So given the abrupt onset, before labeling it as dementia worsened by infection, it would be wise to consider the possibility of an acute event like stroke. Metabolic issues such as blood glucose alterations, altered kidney or liver function etc should also be considered.
For that reason I believe some routine blood tests as well as brain imaging is required, even in an ER setting.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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