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What Causes Disorientation In An Elderly Person?
Today after returning home from church, my 93-yr-old mother who is in good health and ambulatory, started talking using unfamiliar words and sentences. She was well aware of the fact that she was making no sense. After a few minutes, her words were more recognizable. She is napping now.
Fri, 20 Jan 2017
HI,
The most common causes of temporary changes in behavior in the elderly are:
(1) transient ischemic attack - TIA
(2) dehydration and other electrolyte disorders
(3) infection
(4) hypoglycemia- low blood sugar
(5) hypotension- low blood pressure
(6) side effect of medication
If there are further episodes of confusion, then she needs to be seen by her doctor for assessment as soon as possible. This would involve physical examination and possibly blood tests as well.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
The most common causes of temporary changes in behavior in the elderly are:
(1) transient ischemic attack - TIA
(2) dehydration and other electrolyte disorders
(3) infection
(4) hypoglycemia- low blood sugar
(5) hypotension- low blood pressure
(6) side effect of medication
If there are further episodes of confusion, then she needs to be seen by her doctor for assessment as soon as possible. This would involve physical examination and possibly blood tests as well.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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