My Dad at 86 is an extremely active man and so always doing something and keeping busy. Two weeks ago he suddenly started to become quite confused which is so unlike him as he's so astute and switched on. Blood and urine tests taken. There is an infection but not in the urine and they don't know where the infection is coming from. My Dad is now into the third day of taking antibiotics but no change yet. How long should we allow before we make another Drs apt as not too sure when these antibiotics should start having an effect. If it isn't a urine infection then can any other type of infection cause this sudden confusion? So very concerned at the moment so any form of positive reply would be very much appreciated. Many thanks
By chance, did Dad fall and didn't tell you? Falls where one hits their head can cause brain bleeds which can result in confusion. That happened with my Mom. Eventually it cleared up, until another head hitting fall happened.
Many elders don't want to us that they had fallen as they don't want to appear "old". I know much later my Dad finally told me that my Mom had fallen quite a bit. Oh great, now they tell me.... [sigh].
Dehydration can also cause this confusion.
No I really don't think my Dad has had a fall. I'm pretty certain if this were the case then he would have mentioned something to my Mum. My Dad is so honest.
I hope your Dad feels better soon. I found this information online. My other main concern is medications. Could your Dad have taken too much of something? Here is the link I found:
Some of the most common causes of sudden confusion include:
•an infection – urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause in elderly people or people with dementia.
•a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke")
•a low blood sugar level in people with diabetes – read about treating low blood sugar.
•a head injury.
More items...
Sudden confusion (delirium) - NHS.UK
www.nhs.uk/conditions/confusion/
As well as an 86 y.o. overdoing it and not having the cognitive ability to stop work so as not to overdo. imo.
Also - I assume he had his chest listened to, yes? But in general, if you've got any questions or worries about how a medication should be working, it really is best to call the GP's office and speak to whoever prescribed the medication.
Wishing your Dad better very soon.
For you, I hope it's something as easy as this. But don't ignore that undiagnosed infection, in the case of my dad we almost lost him because he waited to long.