Delirium is A disease in which the brain temporarily malfunctions, commonly occurring in hospitalized patients.do. Because it is less well-known than other brain diseases, many people do not know about it, but it is necessary to be aware of it as the number of patients continues to increase (8,267 in 2017 → 9,969 in 2022).
About 10-15% of hospitalized patients suffer from delirium. Unfamiliar environments, such as hospital rooms, are a direct or indirect cause of delirium.Because I win. In particular, it is known that in intensive care units where environmental changes are severe, the risk of occurrence rises to 80%.
Stress and medications due to surgery (narcotic analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs, anticholinergics, antihistamines, etc.)also affects. Dementia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease internal diseases, such as Stroke/Traumatic Brain Injury It can also occur in the same central nervous system disease.
Old age is also a risk factorThis can be. Park Soo-hyun, a professor of neurology at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, said, “The reason why delirium is more common in the elderly is because acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that keeps people awake) decreases due to aging of the brain.” He added, “Elderly people are also sensitive to drugs, so they use over-the-counter medications, He cautioned, “It can also be caused by drugs that do not affect brain function.”
The main symptom of delirium is Decreased orientation (accurate recognition of dates, places, and people), hyperactivity, hallucinations, nervousness, tremors, etc.am. Lee Jung-seon, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, said, “It is easy to mistake it for a mental illness such as dementia or schizophrenia. Delirium occurs suddenly and symptoms change significantly throughout the day.“In particular, It differs from dementia in that it improves within a few days if the cause is treated.“He explained.
Professor Park Soo-hyun said, “However, in some elderly people, delirium may progress to dementia without fully recovering,” adding, “There are reports that it can lead to permanent cognitive impairment. Dementia patients showing delirium require more careful observation.“Do it,” he emphasized.
■Family efforts are required, such as creating a friendly environment
To prevent delirium Family effort is more important than anything elsedo. especially It is best to create an environment that is as familiar to the patient as possible. Patients should keep frequently used items and family photos in the hospital room so they do not feel stressed by the unfamiliar environment.
Professor Lee Jung-seon said, “Regular sleep is also important. In order to get enough sleep at night, you should move your body as much as possible during the day and avoid napping. “I do it,” he said.
Continue to use the glasses and hearing aids you normally wearIt’s good to do it. This is because anxiety can become worse if you cannot distinguish between surrounding stimuli due to poor vision and hearing. Glasses and hearing aids also help maintain communication skills. To maintain orientation It is also a good idea to tell the date and day of the week at any time.am.
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2023-11-22 22:46:20
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