What causes altered mental status in the elderly?
Cognitive dysfunction occurs frequently in geriatric patients with pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis. Hypoxia and uremia account for some changes in mental status, whereas hypotension and dehydration can exacerbate delirium.
What are changes in mental status?
An alteration in mental status refers to general changes in brain function, such as confusion, amnesia (memory loss), loss of alertness, disorientation (not cognizant of self, time, or place), defects in judgment or thought, unusual or strange behavior, poor regulation of emotions, and disruptions in perception.
What medical conditions can cause altered mental status?
a. Metabolic, Infectious, Inflammatory, and Inherited disorders—this broad group is responsible for most cases of altered mental status, most commonly resulting in delirium. b. Seizures and Structural problems (stroke/vascular disorders, Tumor, Trauma)—these are focal lesions.
Is dementia considered altered mental status?
When a patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with altered mental status, three broad categories of diagnosis should be considered: delirium, coma, and dementia. Altered mental status has many definitions, but fundamentally it involves changes in a person’s alertness, attention, memory, and/or awareness.
How do you test for altered mental status?
the essential diagnostic tests to differentiate among possible causes of altered mental status with their indications and contraindications including:
- lumbar puncture.
- CT scan.
- MRI scan.
- EEG.
- drug screen.
- CBC with differential.
- electrolytes.
- serum chemzyme screen (glucose, renal/hepatic function tests)
What can cause confusion in an elderly person?
Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first symptom of a serious illness, particularly in older adults. Health problems that can cause confusion or decreased alertness include: Infections, such as a urinary tract infection, respiratory infection, or sepsis. Alzheimer’s disease.
Which neurological change presents with an acute change in mental status?
Acute changes in mental status are usually secondary to delirium, stupor, and coma, which are forms of acute brain dysfunction. These changes occur over a period of hours or days and are usually precipitated by an underlying medical illness that is potentially life threatening.
Can dehydration cause altered mental status?
Mental status changes begin with mild dehydration and worsen with each stage, ending in delirium. In moderate dehydration, short-term memory loss occurs. Once an older person is thirsty, they are already mildly dehydrated.
What is the difference between altered mental status and encephalopathy?
Encephalopathy is a term used for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure. The hallmark of encephalopathy is “altered mental status,” a clinical symptom not a diagnosis.