Rodney Moore from Bangor is urging recognition of delirium signs ahead of World Delirium Day. His father John developed the condition after a urinary tract infection.

Moore's mother Ena called him one morning after John's behaviour changed suddenly overnight. John had been clear the previous evening but began talking incoherently and lost his frame of reference. Moore advised her to call an ambulance.

John received assessment in the Ulster Hospital emergency department and was admitted. Moore noted the distress of seeing his father's frustration, inability to converse or recognise family. Antibiotics treated the infection, but delirium took time to resolve. John has no memory of nearly three weeks.

Prior to this, Moore knew little about delirium and initially linked the confusion to the infection alone. He now stresses that sudden confusion or nonsensical speech in older people may signal delirium from a urinary tract infection or similar issue.

Dr Dearbhail Lewis, consultant psychiatrist with South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, states delirium involves an acute mental state change from illness requiring hospital care. Symptoms include confusion, restlessness, agitation, unusual sleepiness, disorientation, or hallucinations.

Infections like urinary tract infections cause delirium, along with pain, dehydration, constipation, or urinary issues. Treatment targets the cause, pain relief, hydration, nutrition, and reorientation. Short-term medication aids severe distress.

Dr Lewis notes delirium usually resolves, returning patients near prior function, though recovery slows with pre-existing memory issues. Moore praised Ulster Hospital staff care despite their workload and hopes his account aids families in spotting signs quickly.