FAQs #14

Q14. My father was doing just fine until two weeks ago. Now he acts confused and I am afraid he is getting senile. I have also seen him urinating in the corner. I guess I will have to put him in a nursing home. Which one do you suggest, or where should I start?

A14. Monica Keefe:
><cite>Before looking into a nursing home, it is important to look at him medically. Since this is a sudden change (two weeks) I urge you to get him medical attention immediately as this is most likely a delirium, and not a progressive dementia (like Alzheimer's). Delirium can be life threatening if left untreated, but it can often be reversed quickly. In your father's case, I suspect a bladder infection, although this could certainly be related to a medication. Has he been taking any new medicines? In the case of the elderly person with some type of infection, confusion is often the very first symptom that is seen. So, I again repeat, that it is quite important to get him to a physician immediately to be evaluated. <cite>