 | Pam Pirotte was raised in Wichita and received her Masters in Nursing from WSU. She was a nursing educator as well as a bedside nurse until 1986, when care in the home became her focus. Pam considers this the most rewarding field available to nursing personnel. The relationships are positive and precious. “People appreciate us for keeping them in their own homes.” Pam lives with her husband, donkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, goats, dogs and cats, near Leon, Kansas. Saint Raphael Home Care is located at 903 West 18th, Wichita, KS 67203, and Pam can be reached at 316-269-5400. |
Senior Living
2007-07-01 16:13:00
What does ‘confusion’ mean to you?
I have noticed that as I get older I am constantly getting confused. Does my confusion have anything to do with certain types of medical conditions?
Answer: Few symptoms are more alarming to an independent person 50+ than confusion or severe forgetfulness. Because of the fear of Alzheimer’s, this kind of problem may be kept secret by the victim. Such an approach is, at least, not constructive.
The Good News:
Never does Alzheimer’s appear suddenly. Interestingly, confusion is a very non-specific symptom! For some reason, elderly people will present with confusion when any number of medical conditions, in other parts of the body, are to blame!
Here are some reasons confusion may present, and the tests which confirm the cause:
• Bladder infection — urinalysis
• Blood infection secondary to an injury — blood count
• Depression with secondary loss of appetite (which results in dehydration/electrolyte imbalance) —blood chemistry
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from vomiting, fever, overheating (sun), diarrhea — blood chemistry
• Medication reaction —medication review
• Stroke — cardiovascular workup
• Fall resulting in mild concussion — neurological workup
• Blow to the head with subdural hematoma — neurological workup
• Blood sugar abnormalities —blood chemistry
• Systemic or viral bacterial infection — blood chemistry
It is wise to enlist the support of close friends or relatives, so that if you or they notice changes in your mental character, medical care will be sought. Anticipate this possibility. Discuss it and agree to cooperate, if you are told you need to visit the doctor.
Knowledge is power! Don’t neglect yourself. Find the cause – Fix the problem. Get back in charge. Amen.
