Nonagenarian with dementia, sleeps all the time and appetite loss. Age related or sign of an illness?
Patient: My mother is 91 years of age and suffers from dementia and has suddenly begun to sleep almost all day and night, is having hallucinations, has a decrease in appetite and seems very disoriented at times - she doesn't want any medical care even though it has been offered - is this something that is part of the aging process or is this a sudden acute problem. Doctor: Hi,The sudden change in her mental state, especially the excessive sleep, disorientation and hallucinations suggest that she might be in delirium. The symptoms of dementia are gradual in onset and do not worsen suddenly without any cause. Most likely causes of delirium in her age would be the medicines she is taking, electrolyte imbalance or febrile illnesses if any. You should consult a doctor and get her blood tested for electrolyte levels and other routine tests.Hope she gets better soon. Best wishes.