Alteration of alertness, confusion, and memory loss

Topic Overview

You may forget your glasses or keys, the location of your car, or even a friend's name. You may find that you can only recall things once you get older. Memory changes are not common in older adults but can be part of normal aging. Memory problems of this type are more annoying than serious.

If you experience sudden memory loss or if it interferes with daily activities, there may be a severe problem.

• Dementia can gradually decline memory, learning abilities, problem-solving skills, and judgment over several weeks or months. Many health conditions can cause dementia or similar symptoms. Alzheimer's disease causes the most dementia among people over 65 years old.
• Delirium occurs when the mental status of a person suddenly changes. Fever may cause confusion, alter sleep-wake patterns, or cause strange behavior. Many things, including withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or medicine, an infection, or worsening cause turmoil.
• Head injuries, strokes, substance abuse, or emotional events such as combat or car accidents can cause amnesia. Amnesia can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Confusion and decreased alertness can be the first signs of serious illness in older adults. Some health problems can lead to confusion or reduced alertness.

• Infections such as urinary tract infections or respiratory infections.
• Alzheimer's disease.
• Asthma and COPD cause a reduction in oxygen in the blood or an increase in carbon dioxide.
• Cardiac disorders, such as Heart Failure or Coronary Artery Disease (irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias), reduce blood flow.
• Diabetes:
• Liver Failure or Kidney can cause high levels of toxic substances to accumulate in the blood.
• Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and health problems such as alcohol abuse disorder( Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome).
• Mental health problems, such as depression or schizophrenia.
• Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism or myxedema-coma.

Alcohol and some prescription and nonprescription medications may cause confusion or decreased alertness. These problems can be caused by:

• They are overmedicating or taking medications that could interact. The most common cause of confusion or memory loss in older adults is overuse of drugs.
• Alcohol and medication interactions. This can be a problem for older adults who take multiple medicines.
• Misusing medicine or alcohol abuse disorder
• Intoxication by drugs or withdrawal symptoms.

Other causes of confusion and decreased alertness include:

• Head injury
• Reduced or blocked brain blood flow. This can occur as a result of a transient ischaemic attack or stroke.
• Infections such as sepsis, meningitis, or encephalitis.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections such as Syphilis in its late stage and HIV (HIV).
• A seizure disorder (epilepsy).
• Brain tumors.

Conditions that may cause a change in the level of consciousness are:

• Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold temperatures.
• High temperatures cause heat stroke.
• Hospitalization. It is challenging for older adults to adjust when their routines and environment are altered.
• High altitude can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia).
• Exposition to poisons (toxins) such as Carbon monoxide.

Other symptoms can also be present. These include fever, chest pain, or inability to stand or walk. When confusion or reduced alertness occurs, you must tell your doctor of any other symptoms you may experience. Your doctor can use this information to determine the cause of symptoms.

Loss of consciousness can result from a decrease in alertness. When people lose consciousness, they are unaware of their surroundings and are not awake. A brief state of unconsciousness is called fainting (syncope). A coma is an extended, deep state of unconsciousness.

Use symptoms to determine if you need to see a physician.

Check your symptoms

Are you experiencing memory loss, confusion, or changes in your alertness? Review health risks. Any symptom can be made more severe.

Home Treatment

It is common to experience memory lapses as you age. A memory lapse is not a sign of a severe issue. To improve your memory, try these tips:

• Concentrate your attention. You may need to be more mindful because you are too busy. Slow down and focus on the task at hand.
• Follow a routine. Do the same tasks every time.
• Improve your memory by structuring your environment.
• Use clocks and calendars.
• As a reminder, use lists, notes, and other valuable devices.
• Keep a daily planner or calendar handy to easily see your activities.
• After using them, store items easily lost in the exact location. Install a hook near the door, and hang your keys on it each time you enter.
• Try the following memory tricks:
• Repeat the name of a person several times after the introduction.
• For quick recall, group numbers and relate them to dates or stories. If your personal identification number is 2040, you can remember it by saying, "20 plus 40 equals 20." Please write down your essential numbers, and store them safely.
• If you don't know why you entered a particular room, retrace your footsteps.
• Reduce your stress. Anxiety can affect your memory. See the topic of Stress Management for more information.
• Your doctor or pharmacist should review all your prescription and nonprescription medications, including dosages. Many medicines can cause mental confusion. These medicines may also cause mental confusion when taken in combination with others. Also, the mess can occur when your body reacts to drugs. Make sure all your doctors know your other medications if you visit several doctors. The same pharmacy should fill all your prescriptions. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor if your combination of medicines could be problematic.

Ginkgo Biloba has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for memory problems. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment to treat a memory issue.

It can be challenging to live with a loved one who is suffering from a decline in their memory, problem-solving ability, learning abilities, or judgment (dementia). Give your family member short instructions to ensure safety. Divide the task into small steps. It may be helpful to provide written instructions.

Watch for symptoms during home treatment.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms below during home treatment.

• If you develop a loss of function or confusion, your alertness may decrease.
• Memory problems can develop.
• The symptoms become more severe or frequent.

The following is a list of precautions.

Memory problems can be reduced by age. You can use your memory or lose it. Staying healthy and fit is your best defense against memory problems.

• A balanced diet is essential. A low-fat, balanced diet rich in folate and vitamin B12 can help to protect your nervous system.
• Water is essential. It helps prevent Dehydration which can lead to confusion and memory issues. See the topic of Dehydration for more information.
• Rest well. Your memory can be impaired if you are tired.
• Smoking or using other tobacco products is not recommended. Tobacco products reduce blood flow to your brain and increase stroke risk. See the topic How to Quit Smoking for more information.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise regularly can increase blood flow to the brain. See the topic Exercise for more information.
• Reduce your stress. Anxiety can affect your memory. See the topic of Stress Management for more information.
• Socialize with your family and friends. Researchers have found that those who socialize with their family and friends regularly are less likely than others to experience mental decline. Dating helps you to stay connected to your community.
• Learn new things. If you try this, you may have a more remarkable ability to concentrate and pay attention.
• Play mind-stimulating games such as Scrabble or crossword puzzles, or word jumbles.
• For more information, see the topic a data-hwid= "alcpb" href=" https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/alcohol and drug use." See the topic Alcohol and Drug Problems for more information.
• Reduce your nonprescription medicine use. The most common cause of confusion or memory loss in older adults is overuse of medications.
• If you suspect that you are depressed, you should seek treatment. Depression can cause memory loss. See the topic Depressed for more information.

Avoid injuries that could lead to memory loss.

• When you travel in a motor car, wear your seatbelt.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using other drugs while driving or participating in sports.
• Wear a helmet or other protective clothing when you bike, motorbike, skate, skateboard, kayak, ride a horse, ski, snowboard, or climb rocks.
• Wear a hard hat if you work in the construction industry or an industrial setting.
• Avoid diving into shallow water or unexplored waters.
• Remove hazards in your home that could cause you to fall.
• Keep firearms out of your house. Lock up your guns and store them unloaded. Keep ammunition in a different area.