TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Evaluating Confusion in Older Adults A1 - Stephens, Caroline A2 - Williams, Brie A. A2 - Chang, Anna A2 - Ahalt, Cyrus A2 - Chen, Helen A2 - Conant, Rebecca A2 - Landefeld, C. Seth A2 - Ritchie, Christine A2 - Yukawa, Michi PY - 2014 T2 - Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Geriatrics, 2e AB - Confusion is a common presenting problem in many older patients, but it is not a normal part of aging. Most adults experience some cognitive changes as they age, such as decreases in the speed of processing information, lessened spontaneous recall, and small decreases in executive skills. Confusion, however, is not normal aging. When an older patient presents with confusion, it is important to determine whether the confusion is acute or chronic in nature. For example, is it a recent change (days to weeks) or has the change been more chronic and progressive in nature (months to years)? Sometimes the change will be manifested as an acute or sudden change in behavior, such as increased agitation, aggression, wandering, or falls, or a change in function. Understanding the nature and time line of the events will give you an indication regarding the potential underlying diagnosis. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1100069295 ER -