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Causes of confusion

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, November 10, 2005

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Confusion is caused by a number of things. Although some causes of confusion in residents can be reversed, others are completely irreversible. CNAs should familiarize themselves with the common causes of confusion, in order to develop techniques that can assist confused residents.

• Disease conditions. Certain disease conditions, such as stroke or atherosclerosis, reduce the blood flow and thus the oxygen supply to the brain, which can cause confusion. Other diseases, such as Alzheimer's, affect the way the brain functions. Some diseases can alter the chemical balance of the brain. Confusion caused by some diseases may clear as the condition responds to treatment.

• Medications. Often, a resident can reverse confusion caused by medication effects by changing to a different dose or different medication entirely.

• Malnutrition. Malnutrition causes a chemical imbalance in the brain that may result in confusion.

• Lack of mental stimulation. It is the old story of "use it or lose it"-an unchanging or under-scheduled daily routine can lead to confusion.

• Stress. Just as too little stimulation can cause confusion, too much stress may also result in confused residents.

• Changes in location. When residents change location, the usual clues that help them identify the time and place are missing. For many elderly people in particular, it may take weeks or even months to adjust to a location change.

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