The old man muttered to himself, wondering what was going on.

Generally, elderly individuals talking to themselves may be caused by factors such as feelings of loneliness, memory decline, schizophrenia, delirium, or cerebral infarction. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Feelings of Loneliness

Elderly people often experience emotions of loneliness and helplessness, especially when they perceive a decline in their physical health or inability to perform daily activities. Talking to themselves may be a way to alleviate inner anxiety and loneliness. It is advisable to spend more time accompanying the elderly, which can help improve symptoms.

2. Memory Decline

With advancing age, older adults may experience memory decline, which can lead to self-talk. This may result from attempts to recall events or organize thoughts. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not require excessive concern.

3. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that may be caused by abnormalities in brain structure, genetic factors, and others. It can lead to self-talk in elderly individuals and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Medications such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, haloperidol tablets, or奋乃静 (penfluridol) tablets may be used under medical guidance to control the condition.

4. Delirium

Delirium is an acute brain syndrome possibly related to aging, metabolic disturbances, and other factors. It may present with symptoms such as speech and memory impairments, and patients may frequently talk to themselves. Timely medical consultation is recommended. Under a doctor's supervision, medications such as risperidone tablets, olanzapine tablets, or quetiapine fumarate tablets can be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Cerebral Infarction

Cerebral infarction results from impaired cerebral blood circulation, leading to oxygen and blood deprivation in brain tissue. It may affect an elderly person's behavior, causing symptoms such as self-talk and abnormal behaviors. Medications such as edaravone injection, citicoline sodium capsules, or piracetam capsules may be used under medical guidance to manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, it is recommended to establish good communication with elderly individuals and provide care and support, which can help reduce stress and feelings of loneliness they may experience.