TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Confusion A1 - Kim, Candace J. A1 - Stephens, Caroline A2 - Walter, Louise C. A2 - Chang, Anna A2 - Chen, Pei A2 - Harper, G. Michael A2 - Rivera, Josette A2 - Conant, Rebecca A2 - Lo, Daphne A2 - Yukawa, Michi Y1 - 2021 N1 - T2 - Current Diagnosis & Treatment Geriatrics, 3e AB - Confusion is a symptom characterized by an altered state of awareness. It may be accompanied by disorientation, memory loss, altered perception, and/or behavioral change. It is a common presenting problem in many older adults and a frequent reason why families and caregivers seek medical attention. As part of normal aging, many adults experience some cognitive changes such as decreases in the speed of processing information, lessened spontaneous recall, and small decreases in executive skills. Confusion, however, is not a normal part of aging. Assessment of the onset and duration of symptoms is important to differentiate causes of confusion. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/11/08 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1180018595 ER -