Our Information and Referral Department is ready to provide complete information on all the various programs available. Thoughts on Dealing with Confusion and Alzheimers Victims Don't assume confusion is a permanent state. For many elders it can be caused by infection, medication, electrolyte imbalance, thyroid problem, or other medical condition. New learning is not possible with an Alzheimers type condition. Judgment, memory and reason are impaired- but not emotion.
Feelings are intact.
Suppose a confused person comes up to you and says they've just seen their mother who's been dead for years. The most natural reaction is to correct the person, which can cause them to grieve all over again. They may still be depressed for the next week, but will not remember why. This can get the person to reminsce about good times without confronting them with a fact they can no longer keep straight. Besides being a more humane way to deal with confusion, there is evidence that keeping a positive emotional state for persons with Alzheimers type conditions improves their morale and functional independence, reduced depression, and my help slow the onset of further confusion.