MENTAL CONFUSION

Mental confusion translates into altered brain functions that cause memory lapses, difficulty concentrating and disorientation. More than a condition, it is a symptom that can have the most diverse causes.More common in the elderly, due to advancing age and the natural aging process, this cognitive change can also affect younger people, as its cause can be the result of systemic infections, tumors, side effects of medications, dehydration, dietary deficiencies and vitamins, degenerative diseases or head injuries.Confusion can arise suddenly or over time, depending on its cause. Its duration can be short and temporary, but it can also be permanent and incurable, that is, it can be dementia.

What does mental confusion consist of

The concept of dementia is applied to a group of pathologies that consist of the progressive decline of the individual's cognitive and behavioral functions. Unlike temporary mental confusion, dementia involves the loss of the ability to carry out daily activities that compromise the person's autonomy.Even though both conditions require monitoring or specialized guidance, it is important that you know the signs and know how to differentiate them to achieve a correct and timely diagnosis.

Signs and possible causes of mental confusion

There are several health problems or illnesses that can cause cognitive changes - temporary or progressive - and it is therefore important that you recognize the signs and their causes.

Signs and symptomsIt is essential to know how to identify when an episode of confusion occurs, as only then will it be possible to begin treatment. These signs can be:

• Long pauses during the speech;

• Meanless conversation and abnormal language;

• Memory lapses while executing a task;

• Disorientation regarding time and space;

• Difficulty reasoning;

• Inappropriate and unusual behaviors;

• Sudden changes in mood.

Causes and risk factors

Mental confusion can have different causes and several risk factors:

• Dementia;

• Abusive consumption of alcohol or drugs;

• Head trauma or head injury;

• Fever;

• Brain tumor;

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance;

• Neurological diseases;

• Accident Cerebral Vascular;

• Infections;

• Sleep deprivation;

• Low blood sugar;

• Low oxygen levels;

• Medication side effects;

• Nutritional deficiencies, namely deficiency in niacin, thiamine, vitamin C and vitamin B12;

• Seizures;

• Stress and anxiety;

• Traumatic episode;

• Autoimmune diseases;

• Anemia;

• Depression;

• Hypothermia.

Diagnose and treat mental confusion

Cognitive changes can be caused by serious illnesses, so it is always necessary to consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

Obviously, a single test may not be enough to find out what causes mental confusion. Therefore, in addition to a physical examination, the healthcare professional will ask questions about your mental health, diet, chronic illnesses, level of physical activity, medication you take or dietary supplements you take, family medical history, among other questions.Exams that may, for example, be requested to find or rule out hypotheses are:

• Blood analysis;

• X-Ray,

• Magnetic resonance;

• Computed tomography;

• Test of allergy;

• Sleep study;

• Electroencephalogram;

• Neuropsychological test;

• Urine analysis.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the mental confusion. If, for example, it is an infection, by treating the infection, in principle, the confusion will disappear. The same happens if the problem is anemia, just take iron supplements.Eliminating this situation often involves correcting eating and sleeping habits, as well as changing medication. However, if it is a symptom of dementia - no cure and progressive. Know that there are treatments that can alleviate symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.Practical tips you can follow to stimulate memory and mental health:

• Sleep eight hours a night;

• Develop techniques to better manage stress and anxiety;

• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption;

• Practice some physical activity;

• Read and solve puzzles;

• Save time for leisure activities;

• Eat a healthy diet.

Guest Doctor Review:

Dr. Sofia Bezerra

Sources:

· < em>Portuguese Society of Neurology: Cognitive changes and Dementia.· Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health: Dementia.· Healthline: What You Should Know About Confusion.· Healthline: 6 Possible Causes of Brain Fog.· Health Direct: Confusion.· Medline Plus: Confusion.