How to Prevent Confusion in Elderly Individuals

Confusion in the elderly can be brought on by several different factors. It is important to remember that some forgetfulness is a normal part of aging and is more an annoyance than a major problem. Staying physically healthy as you age is one of the best ways to prevent serious memory problems from developing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Eat a diet low in fat that includes a variety of B vitamin sources, particularly B-12 and folate, both of which help to protect the central nervous system. Studies also indicate that supplementing the diet with vitamins C and E may limit brain damage following a stroke and prevent the onset of dementia.
2. Staying well hydrated. You should drink plenty of water, as dehydration can cause an individual to become disoriented and confused. Elderly people dehydrate more easily because of physiological changes in the body due to aging.
3. Getting plenty of rest. Being extremely tired and fatigued can decrease an individual’s alertness and affect memory.
4. Exercising regularly. Dementia results from insufficient flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Exercise increases blood flow and improves brain function, including memory.
5. Don't mix alcohol and medications. This is important since older adults often take several different prescription and over-the-counter medications at the same time. As you grow older, the body becomes more sensitive to certain drugs and drug combinations, including trycyclic antidepressants, sedatives, analgesics, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, some cardiovascular drugs and OTC antihistamines.
6. Do crossword puzzles, which work to stimulate the brain. This kind of activity can help you to focus better and increase your attention span.

Tips & Warnings

• Although pain medications should not be withheld, they should be taken only at the prescribed intervals to decrease the risk of confusion. If you regularly require narcotic pain medications, ask your doctor if you can take smaller doses supplemented with non-narcotic analgesics.
• More serious health conditions, which can cause confusion, include Alzheimer’s disease, complications from diabetes, cardiac problems, thyroid problems, asthma or COPD, and kidney and liver failure.