My dad just recently had gallbladder surgery and then developed pneumonia. He ran fever and was sedated for the last few days, but now that his fever is coming down and the sedation is wearing off, he is starting to be combative, angry, agitated, confused and hallucinating. What is the best way to deal with this?

Dear Linda,

I am very sorry to hear about your Dad’s recent health problems. Firstly, make sure your Dad’s doctors and medical team are aware of the changes you have noticed. All of the behaviors you listed are very normal for someone with a dementia after going through the many procedures your Dad has experienced. Often times certain drugs, including anesthesia, seem to exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. Another occurrence that often takes place after experiencing many health procedures, or infection, is the development of delirium. Delirium is reversible if it is caught in time. But these and other reasons for your Dad’s changes in behavior would be best discussed with a neurologist, or psychiatrist. I would recommend that you speak with his medical team and discuss his changes and your concerns.

Thanks for using the Online Community. Please feel free to call the 24 helpline at 1.800.272.3900 and speak with a Care Consultant about any further concerns or questions you may have.

Jaimie E.
Care Consultant

Dad was hospitalized last year and he had the same reaction as he is having this time. What are some helpful tips to deal with him during his hospital stay.

Dear Linda,

Firstly, visiting is very important. If you are unable to visit try calling and providing your father with safe statements to make him feel comfortable. For example, "They are going to take care of you here, you are safe, we will be there soon to see you, we love you." Bring familiar items from his home that would increase his level of comfort. Talk with the staff about his normal routine at home (when he eats, showers, wakes up and goes to bed) and the possibility of making his daily routine at the hospital similar. This may make his hospital stay more comfortable for him. Some family members leave voice recordings for their loved one if they are unable to contact them. The message could remind him that he is safe, and provide a simple explanation for why he is at the hospital from a familiar voice.

If you are trying to deal with his new symptoms of combativeness, hallucinations, and increase confusion, it is important to keep in mind that he is incapable of reasoning at this point as a result of the dementia. He will not be able to understand detailed explanations, these tend to increase agitation. Try to give short concrete soothing statements, and try to redirect his focus to a more pleasant thought. Unless the hallucinations are unpleasant for your Dad they are usually dealt with by caregivers by simply going along with the stream of thought. If they say they see their deceased relative, talk about that with them in a very agreeable manner. The best way for a family member to deal with these sorts of behaviors is to be very soothing and familiar, offering them a place to feel safe and comfortable however possible.

Jaimie E.
Alzheimer’s Association
Care Consultant

Thanks you have been very helpful.