There may be more than one possible cause of delirium. Some causes may be:
- medicine: prescription and over-the-counter (especially if more than 5 types of medicine are taken)
- dehydration or not drinking enough fluids
- constipation or diarrhea
- infection, fever, pain, or an illness that’s getting worse
- a recent fall
- not eating well
- a recent surgery or procedure
- problems with their blood sugars if they have diabetes
- a recent change in where they live or where they’re staying
- withdrawing from alcohol
- blood levels (e.g., potassium, vitamin B12) that aren’t in the normal range