Other symptoms may be apparent only on neurologic examination or cognitive testing. Loss of functioning progresses slowly from decreased problem solving and language skills, to difficulty with ordinary daily activities, to severe memory loss and complete disorientation with withdrawal from social interaction. Dementia is a medical, social, and economic problem. It becomes increasingly significant as the number of elderly people increases. Psychologic studies and tests of sensation, cognitive function, and motor function may be abnormal.
Treatment varies with the specific disorder.
Hospitalization may be required for a short time. Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion , or that are not essential to the care of the person, may improve cognitive function. Medications that contribute to confusion include anticholinergics, analgesics , cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, lidocaine, and other medications. Disorders that contribute to confusion should be treated. Correction of coexisting medical and psychiatric disorders often greatly improves mental functioning.