Other times, however, it is because a human brain near the end is simply unable to function as it once did. Secondary issues such as a terminal tumor placing pressure on the brain or even simple fear, anger, or emotional turmoil can also contribute to the type of mental agitation that can lead to confusion. Various medications can interfere with cognition and can lead to end-of-life confusion, especially common pain medications.
There are a number of elements that can lead to end-of-life confusion. If you have questions about any of the above mentioned symptoms, you can speak with a hospice expert 24/7 by choosing an option in the blue bar above. These can include incontinence and/or bowel problems, insomnia or excessive sleeping, appetite changes, physical restlessness or deterioration, and others. Delusional or impaired thought These end-of-life symptoms can occur together, separate, or with other physiological end-of-life changes.Mood swings, agitation, and sudden irritability.Speech impediments or new and strange speech patterns.Inability to understand time and place.Shorter attention span or reduction in short-term memory.Reduced awareness of their surroundings.The brain’s ability to process cognitive thought is often one of these changing functions, and as a result the hospice patient can exhibit a number of different behaviors that can be classified as confusion, delirium, or evidence of impaired mental ability. A Definition of End-of-Life ConfusionĪs the body readies itself for what must be done at the approach of the end of its life, many core functions begin to change, slow down, or stop altogether. Here’s our guide to understanding end-of-life confusion, how it impacts both you and your hospice patient, and how you can cope with instances of end-of-life confusion in ways that keep your patient as calm and comfortable as possible. While end-of-life confusion doesn’t affect everyone, it’s a common occurrence that should be planned. One of these changes that is perhaps the most difficult to experience as a caregiver, especially if that caregiver is a family member, is confusion at the end of life. Many of these can result in someone on hospice experiencing discomfort, which makes it the responsibility of hospice workers or family caregivers to understand these changes and how to navigate the challenges they present. As someone nears the end of their life, they can go through a number of physiological changes.
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