Confusion in the older patient: a diagnostic approach

Introduction Epidemiology Examination Medical treatment Conclusion References Introduction Managing confusion is challenging because of several factors that are prevalent in the elderly. These include living alone, lack of detailed history on presentation, cognitive impairment, complex comorbidities, several constraints on proper evaluation and assessment and it requires team work for complete assessment and management. Biological ageing is characterised by the progressive loss of adaptability, with decreasing functional reserves and diminution of the ability to recover from a physiological injury. At the same time, ageing can lead to a multiplicity of diseases and to polypharmacy, along with changes in the patient’s physical