Delirium is a sudden change in brain function and can happen at the time of an infection or after surgery and anaesthesia. — dpa
People who undergo surgery can sometimes suffer from delirium.
Symptoms may include a lack of orientation, with their friends and relatives suddenly seeming like strangers.
The person affected may have hallucinations.
What to know:
Often, this disturbance of consciousness occurs in hospital, after surgery.
Older people are usually those who are affected.
According to the German Brain Foundation, anyone who has already experienced delirium has an increased risk of experiencing it again.
Other risk factors include depression, alcohol abuse and brain diseases such as a stroke.
Alongside disorientation and confusion, delirium can also manifest itself in the form of restlessness or aggressive behaviour.
The intensity of the symptoms can fluctuate during the course of the day.
Anything that gives those affected by delirium more orientation is useful, according to the Foundation.
For relatives, this can mean encouraging them to wear glasses and hearing aids.
You could also place a clearly visible clock or a calendar on the bedside table to help the person affected to orientate themselves in terms of time.
Favourite music, familiar TV programmes, personal objects or familiar faces also work well – which is why frequent visits are particularly beneficial in the case of delirium.
Ideally, complement these by placing family photos on the person’s bedside table.
It is important to speak slowly and simply when talking to those affected and to always include mention of the time of day and day of the week, says the Foundation.
Relatives can also repeatedly broach the subject of why the patient is in hospital and what is going to happen next to them.
Usually, delirium subsides after a while, although the condition can last for several weeks. – dpa
