The New York Times published this truly disturbing article about hospital patients suffering from delirium. The majority of delirium sufferers are older adults. The condition is very serious, as recent studies indicate that there are long-term effects, even death, that result from the condition.
The NYT article touches on some well known and relatively fixable aspects that contribute to the condition: that older adults react differently to medications, that most doctors don't know how to properly prescribe for the metabolism of an older adult, eg.
It seems quaint, but even something as basic as the presence of a candy striper - someone willing to come around and talk to hospitalized patients, stimulate their minds and give them basic interactions can help.
I had no idea that there was even such a thing hospital delirium. Truly stunning, and it makes me all the more committed to this kind of work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/21/science/21delirium.html
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