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ACUTE CONFUSION: SPECIAL SENSES
Failing vision and hearing are common in the old - so common that many people take them for granted as ageing processes. These two complaints should always be taken seriously and acted upon as soon as possible. There are numerous causes of both that are fully treatable or at least helped. Cataracts (opacities in the lens of the eye) are eminently treatable by surgical removal, even in the very old and frail. Glaucoma (failing vision due to increased pressure in the eye) needs to be diagnosed early so that eye drops or surgery can save what sight is left. Wax in the ears is the commonest cause of deafness and is easily sorted out. Deafness should be vigorously investigated and hearing aids supplied where necessary. Increasingly, hearing therapists are giving practical help and advice on the hearing disorders of the elderly. Sadly a minority of elderly people do have significantly impaired vision and hearing. The two conditions occurring together are especially disabling. The person concerned is apt to misinterpret vision and sound, rendering them very prone to confusional episodes. These risks can be lessened by maximizing their existing vision and hearing as much as possible.
The person usually relates very well to their familiar environment and carers, and within reason these should not be changed. Great problems occur when such a person has to be moved or carers change. A lot of time has to then be spent patiently re-orientating the client to their new surroundings, both environmental and human.
*12/128/5*
GENERAL HEALTH
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