Confusion is a symptom that makes you feel as if you can't think clearly. You might feel disoriented and have a hard time focusing or making decisions. Confusion is also referred to as disorientation. In its extreme state, it's referred to as delirium.

If you or someone you care about is confused for a long period of time, dementia might be the reason. Dementia is a condition caused by brain function decline that results in the loss of your ability to perform everyday functions. It also affects judgment and behavior.

What Are the Signs of Confusion?
Noticing the symptoms of confusion when they first appear will help you or your loved one get prompt treatment. Some signs of confusion are:
-- slurring words or having long pauses during speech
-- abnormal or incoherent speech
-- lack of awareness of location or time
-- forgetting what a task is while it is being performed
-- sudden changes in emotion, such as sudden agitation

If you're the one experiencing signs of confusion, it might be a good idea to call a friend or loved one for help. If you are confused, you might need help with things that you could do on your own before.

What Can Be Done About Confusion?
For short-term cases of mild confusion caused by nutritional imbalances, dehydration, or sleep deprivation, you or your loved one might find relief in treatment at home.

If the cause of your confusion is low blood sugar, drinking a sweetened beverage or eating a small piece of candy may be all you need to relieve your symptoms. If your confusion is caused by dehydration, drinking water or electrolyte drinks can help relieve your symptoms.

However, confusion due to a head injury requires immediate medical attention. If your confusion is caused by a concussion, your doctor will decide when it's best to release you from treatment. They will give you advice on how to structure your lifestyle around treating your concussion, such as eating light foods and avoiding alcohol for some time. You may not need to stay in bed, but you should have someone check on you every few hours if you think you may fall asleep within the first 12 hours of having a concussion.

Because there are many serious conditions that can cause confusion, medical attention is often required. Do not hesitate to call a doctor if a loved one suddenly displays signs of confusion.

It can be frightening when a loved one is experiencing confusion. Until a doctor determines the cause of the confusion, the most important thing you can do is stay with the person and observe how they are acting. Your description of their behavior will be an important tool in determining what's causing their confusion so they can be treated.