A deficiency in vitamin B12 is a relatively common occurrence in the elderly. This deficiency may occur for a number of different reasons. One form of this deficiency is called pernicious anemia. This occurs when changes in the stomach prevent the absorption of the vitamin.
Most people eat from a somewhat restricted dietary selection. They eat a traditional, customary, or habitual diet. In the United States, this customary fare has long included large amounts of animal fat in such foods as eggs, milk, butter, pork, and beef. Most people tolerate this diet extremely well. Nonetheless, large numbers of people face the problem of elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels may cause premature development of hardening of the arteries, atherosclerosis, and the associated problems of heart attack and stroke.
Delirium is one of several causes of confusion. It is particularly common in elderly patients. Delirium causes consciousness to become clouded. Impaired awareness of the surrounding environment occurs. This may be as minor as simple misinterpretations and inattention or as severe as frank hallucinations. Patients often seem confused or disoriented as to time or place and may have visual or auditory hallucinations. Memory may be impaired. Sleep is often disturbed. Delirium develops quickly, typically within hours to days.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is a relatively common occurrence in the elderly. This deficiency may occur for a number of different reasons. One form of this deficiency is called pernicious anemia. This occurs when changes in the stomach prevent the absorption of the vitamin.
Most people eat from a somewhat restricted dietary selection. They eat a traditional, customary, or habitual diet. In the United States, this customary fare has long included large amounts of animal fat in such foods as eggs, milk, butter, pork, and beef. Most people tolerate this diet extremely well. Nonetheless, large numbers of people face the problem of elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels may cause premature development of hardening of the arteries, atherosclerosis, and the associated problems of heart attack and stroke.
Delirium is one of several causes of confusion. It is particularly common in elderly patients. Delirium causes consciousness to become clouded. Impaired awareness of the surrounding environment occurs. This may be as minor as simple misinterpretations and inattention or as severe as frank hallucinations. Patients often seem confused or disoriented as to time or place and may have visual or auditory hallucinations. Memory may be impaired. Sleep is often disturbed. Delirium develops quickly, typically within hours to days.
