Which condition can cause acute confusion in older adults?

Which condition can cause acute confusion in older adults?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Urinary Tract Infection
• C. Hypertension
• D. Indigestion

Answer: (B)

Acute confusion in older adults is often delirium triggered by a new medical issue. A urinary tract infection is a classic trigger because infection and resulting dehydration or electrolyte changes can rapidly disrupt brain function in the elderly. They may become suddenly disoriented orless attentive even if fever or classic urinary symptoms aren’t present. Addressing the infection and ensuring proper hydration can reverse the confusion. While severe glucose swings from diabetes or a stroke related to hypertension can cause sudden mental status changes, they’re not as consistently the immediate, reversible trigger for delirium as a UTI. Indigestion by itself isn’t a common direct cause of acute confusion.

Acute confusion in older adults is often delirium triggered by a new medical issue. A urinary tract infection is a classic trigger because infection and resulting dehydration or electrolyte changes can rapidly disrupt brain function in the elderly. They may become suddenly disoriented orless attentive even if fever or classic urinary symptoms aren’t present. Addressing the infection and ensuring proper hydration can reverse the confusion. While severe glucose swings from diabetes or a stroke related to hypertension can cause sudden mental status changes, they’re not as consistently the immediate, reversible trigger for delirium as a UTI. Indigestion by itself isn’t a common direct cause of acute confusion.