Sudden confusion in an elderly partner or friend is deeply frightening. But here's the single most important thing to know: sudden confusion is not a normal part of aging. It's usually a warning sign that something else is wrong — and often, that something is treatable. What is delirium? Doctors use the word delirium to describe a sudden change in mental state that develops over hours or days. Unlike dementia, which progresses slowly, delirium can appear almost overnight and can fluctuate —...

Medical procedures and first aid procedures are not all the same. What is appropriate in a hospital setting with medical professionals, who have access to medical equipment and medications, may not be appropriate for an untrained person in their home or in a public place. Some medical providers may develop their own protocols which reflect their own areas of expertise and available resources and use mnemonics to help them. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) was...

Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health issues