Preventive measures against delirium

What is delirium?

Temporary disturbance of consciousness that occurs when a patient's condition becomes serious or when he or she undergoes invasive treatment.

Those who are prone to develop delirium

• Elderly people
• Those who have pre-existing brain diseases such as cerebral infarction
• Heavy drinkers
• Those who have experienced delirium before

Symptoms of delirium (Not all of them are necessarily apply to a patient)

• Does not fully comprehend time and place
• Sees hallucinations
• Talks incoherently
• Becomes restless, irritated and hot-tempered
• Becomes lifeless and unconcerned about his or her surroundings

(Note) Not all of these necessarily apply to patients.

How to prevent delirium

Patient

• If you use a hearing aid or glasses, bring them with you.
• Maintain your normal life pattern while you are hospitalized.
• Check the date and time by bringing a watch (or clock) and a calendar.
• Immediately tell hospital staff if you are in pain.
• Hospitalization requires perseverance in many ways. But do not hesitate to tell hospital staff about things that annoy you - or please you.
• Take steps to reduce your stress while you are in hospital.

Family

• Stay with the patient to ensure he or she can enjoy peace of mind before and after a major laboratory test or an operation.
• Together with the patient, look for things that he or she uses all the time or gives peace of mind or emotional support. Bring them when the patient is hospitalized.
• Be sure to allow the patient to check the date and time by bringing a watch (or clock) and a calendar.
• To treat the patient kindly and gently to help him or her deal with the stress of undergoing treatment and laboratory tests.

We will respond quickly if a patient shows signs of delirium and will work for their quick recovery. If you have concerns or questions, do not hesitate to ask hospital staff.