Severe delusional states should also be diagnosed by a psychiatrist. This could be misinterpreted as dementia because an individual is unable to perceive surroundings or understand conversations. Hearing and eye examinations should be performed. Special attention should be given to patients who have difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or digesting food. Loss of taste and smell, loss of appetite, poorly fitting dentures or even difficulty shopping or preparing food may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Older persons can develop infections which produce a sudden onset of a confusional state.
This should be brought to the attention of a physician. Confusion caused by an infection is often treatable. These clots can be treated by draining the fluid before it has caused permanent damage. The flow and absorption of spinal fluid, which is manufactured inside the brain, is interrupted. When the fluid is not absorbed properly, it builds up inside the brain and creates pressure.