Elderly becomes chatter

​One myth we often hear about aging is that it’s not unusual to be confused when you’re old. It’s true that we can expect many changes as part of normal aging. But a sudden change in cognitive function—or the way we think and process information—is not one of them.
Pay attention on following signs among elderly, when:

• They are mumbling or their speech doesn’t make sense.
• They can’t focus attention or make eye contact.
• They are seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
• They have become agitated without any obvious cause.

 
Knowing the risk factors for sudden confusion among elderly as following:

• Older age
• Dementia
• Depression
• Multiple medications
• Functional disability
• Alcohol or drug use
• Chronic physical illness
• Problems seeing or hearing
• Sudden confusion in the past
• Not getting enough to eat or drink
• Problems in the brain or nervous system

It is important to remember that feeling confused can be frightening.

Several practical steps to help these elderly include:

1. Diet- Make sure elderly gets adequate balanced calories and fluids
2. Assistive devices-Correcting vision or hearing problems with glasses, hearing aids, or other devices
3. Sleep habit- Helping elderly to practice good sleeping habits and does not become overly tired or nap excessively during the day
4. Brain activity- Trying to involve the elderly adult in activities that challenge the brain, like puzzles, reading, talking about current events, or sharing memories of the past
5. Medication check- Reviewing medications and dosages carefully at each doctor visit and asking questions to help make sure they aren’t given any longer than necessary

 
Most importantly, every caregiver should really listen to elderly concerns. For example, spend more time, sit down, make eye contact, and really listen for dialogue.

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