Why do elderly people experience hallucinations, delirium, and insomnia, and what should be done about it?

Generally, hallucinations, incoherent speech, and insomnia in the elderly may be caused by factors such as excessive fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, Parkinson's disease, delirium, or schizophrenia. If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a qualified hospital and receive treatments such as general supportive care or medication under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Excessive Fatigue

Prolonged physical or mental exertion without adequate rest may lead to nervous system fatigue, potentially causing hallucinations, incoherent speech, and sleeplessness in the elderly. It is important to maintain a balance between work and rest in daily life and avoid overexertion.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance

Improper diet, diarrhea, vomiting, and similar conditions may lead to electrolyte imbalances, resulting in abnormal electrolyte levels that can affect brain function and cause psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, and insomnia—potentially triggering hallucinations, incoherent speech, and sleeplessness in the elderly. Daily management should include replenishing lost electrolytes, for example, through intravenous administration of normal saline.

3. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease may result from genetic factors, psychological stress, and other causes, leading to degeneration and death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which may produce the aforementioned symptoms. It is typically accompanied by symptoms such as resting tremor and bradykinesia. Patients may take medications such as levodopa tablets, selegiline tablets, or clozapine tablets under medical supervision to improve symptoms.

4. Delirium

Delirium is usually triggered by acute infections, trauma, surgery, or similar events. Elderly individuals have weaker immune systems and are more prone to infections. The inflammatory response from infection releases inflammatory mediators that disrupt normal brain metabolism and neural transmission, potentially leading to the symptoms described. Delirium often presents with additional symptoms such as impaired consciousness and hallucinations. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as olanzapine tablets, risperidone tablets, or quetiapine tablets for treatment.

5. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may be caused by genetic and environmental factors, leading to disorganized thinking and triggering hallucinations, incoherent speech, and insomnia in the elderly. It is commonly associated with delusions and emotional blunting. Patients should take medications such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, quetiapine fumarate tablets, or amisulpride tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, attention should be paid to the elderly person's physical and mental health. Maintaining regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), balanced nutrition, avoiding excessive fatigue, and minimizing emotional fluctuations are essential.