Does Dementia Get Worse After Staying In Hospital?

Hospital stays can be a difficult time for individuals living with dementia. The unfamiliar environment and disruptions to their daily routine can often lead to increased confusion and distress. It's a situation that requires not just medical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact it can have on the individual.

At KYN, we understand the importance of providing compassionate and understanding care for those living with dementia. We believe in empowering individuals and their loved ones with knowledge and resources to navigate these changing/difficult times. In this guide, we will discuss how hospital stays can affect those living with dementia and provide guidance on supporting and communicating with a loved one staying in hospital.

The Impact of Hospital Stays on Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with thinking, problem-solving, or language, and changes in mood or behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Hospital stays can be particularly difficult for individuals living with dementia for several reasons.

Change in environment: People living with dementia often find unfamiliar environments distressing. The change from their normal environment to a hospital setting can lead to increased disorientation, anxiety or fear.
Disruption of routine: Regular routines can provide comfort and security for individuals living with dementia. The unpredictable nature of hospital stays, including different caregivers and medical interventions at different times, can be confusing and distressing.
Communication challenges: Hospitals can be fast-paced, noisy environments. This can be overwhelming and can make communication more difficult, especially if the hospital staff are not trained in communicating with those living with dementia. Additionally, people with dementia are at a higher risk of developing delirium while staying in hospital. This can be triggered by a number of factors including infection, medication, surgery, and indeed the hospital environment itself.

Understanding Delirium

Delirium is a term referring to a sudden change in a person’s mental abilities resulting in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of their surroundings. Around 1 in 3 people who are admitted to hospital will become delirious at some point during their stay. For older adults, and individuals living with dementia, the figure is closer to 1 in 2.

Delirium may present with symptoms such as:

Confusion and disorientation
Agitation
Anxiety
Memory problems
Hallucinations

Delirium is not unique to individuals living with dementia - it can affect anyone. However, delirium and dementia can present very similarly. For this reason, it may be difficult to distinguish between delirium and a natural worsening of symptoms of dementia. Fortunately, delirium is often temporary and reversible. This means that while symptoms of dementia may worsen while a person is in hospital, they often improve upon discharge.

A great resource to understand more about delirium is the video #icanpreventdelirium.

Can a Hospital Stay Accelerate Dementia?

Though hospital-induced delirium typically subsides after returning home, some individuals living with dementia may experience a permanent decline in cognitive function after a hospital stay. It is not always clear what causes this to happen.

There may be a number of factors at play, such as:

Medication side effects: Some medications that may be administered in hospital can have side effects that mimic or worsen symptoms of dementia[EH3] .
Physical decline: Lack of mobility during a hospital stay can lead to physical decline. If the decline is significant and not properly addressed, it might impact the person's overall wellbeing, including their cognitive functioning.
Emotional impact: The stress and trauma of a hospital stay can cause anxiety, depression, or behavioural changes. If not properly addressed, this may lead to a perceived worsening of symptoms of dementia.
Underlying health conditions: Sometimes, the medical issue that necessitated the hospital stay may be affecting the individual’s physical, psychological or cognitive health. This may make understanding and responding to the symptoms of dementia more difficult.
Lack of specialised care: If the hospital staff are not well-trained in dementia care, this might contribute to temporary or lasting worsening of symptoms. To mitigate these risks, it’s important that individuals living with dementia receive compassionate, holistic care and support during and after their hospital stay. At KYN, we are committed to delivering outstanding, personalised dementia care for all of our residents, whether they are living with us or staying for a short respite break.

Supporting a Loved One with Dementia In Hospital

Supporting a person living with dementia during a hospital stay requires compassion, understanding, patience, and a coordinated approach. If your loved one is admitted to hospital, there are many ways you can provide support and help them to cope.

Effective Communication

If possible, prepare your loved one for their hospital stay by discussing it in a way they can understand. When visiting them in the hospital, it's important to remember that they might be feeling scared or confused. Speak in a calm, reassuring tone and keep your language simple and clear. Avoid medical jargon and focus on positive, comforting conversation. Effective communication is not just about talking, but also about listening. Take the time to listen to their concerns and fears, and encourage them to express their emotions. This can help build trust and make them feel more comfortable.

Comfort and Compassion

Small gestures can make a big difference in creating a comforting environment. Consider bringing in familiar items from home, or playing their favourite music. This can help to reduce feelings of disorientation and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. Help the hospital staff maintain your loved one's routine as closely as possible. Share information about meal times, rituals or daily activities that may help them feel more at home.

Offer your loved one comfort, empathy, and encouragement, and help foster a positive attitude by sharing uplifting stories or reminiscing about happy memories. However, always be genuine in your positivity. It's okay to acknowledge that things are tough, but reassure them that they are not alone. Physical contact can also be a source of great comfort. If appropriate, hold their hand or offer a comforting touch. However, always be mindful of their wishes and personal space.

The Importance of Advocacy

As a visitor, you can play a crucial role in advocating for your loved one. Make sure the hospital staff is aware of their dementia diagnosis and any specific needs, behaviours, or preferences.

Build a collaborative relationship with the hospital staff. Regularly discuss your loved one's condition, symptoms, and any changes in treatment. Ensure you understand their care plan, and try to communicate it to them in a way they can understand.

People with dementia might have difficulty expressing pain or discomfort, so inform the staff if you notice any non-verbal signs of distress. Speak up if you have concerns or if you see something that doesn't seem right.

Discover Outstanding Dementia Care with KYN

At KYN, we're committed to supporting individuals living with dementia and their loved ones. We aim to provide outstanding residential care for older adults living with dementia, whether they are staying with us temporarily or long-term. We place an emphasis on honouring each of our residents as a unique individual, helping them to maintain their dignity, identity and independence. We also strive to provide practical and emotional support to their families and loved ones, with help from our dedicated Admiral Nurse If you’re interested in learning more about our dementia care homes, contact KYN today to request a brochure or arrange a visit.