What might my dad be experiencing?

Older memory is preserved very well. He is probably remembering an event from the 1960's, maybe when he built a house. Dementia will also mix up dreams and reality, not being able to sort them out. As long as the delusions are pleasant, agree with him and assure him you will take care of it.

Any time an elder needs to stay in the hospital or is even in the ER it is not uncommon for them to become somewhat confused. They will be confused about one thing but right on track with others, such as when the doctor or nurse asks him what is his name and when was he born. Strong memories are ingrained, where simple memories aren't readily available.

Last year when my Dad was in the hospital he thought he was at a hotel, so he wanted me to take him downstairs to pay the hotel bill. It just sounded so strange as my Dad was always pretty sharp. But then I had to remind myself he was in his 90's.

Dad was back in the hospital yesterday from a minor tumble and when it was 4:45 pm he wanted to get dress and head down to the dining room for dinner [he thought he was at his apartment in Independent Living]. So that proves that elders need a regular routine.

One has to remember when we are older we have a lot of information stored in our brain, so all those brain file drawers are full and probably overflowing... thus it will take longer to find the right words or to answer a question. I think it happens to many of us who are younger, during the day we are trying to recall a name, and sure enough at midnight that name will come forward :P

Thank you to pamstegma and freqflyer for your responses. I failed to mention in my original post that my dad has not been diagnosed with any mental illness as of yet. He was evaluated last year for Alzheimer's and dementia and didn't show any signs of either one. He has been experiencing this issue since last Friday. Are these things that should be screened for on a annual basis?

What caused the fall? Do they know? Is it possible he may have had a small stroke? Did they do either a CT scan or MRI of his brain?

I thought I read that he fell. Just reread, I guess not. What was he hospitalized for?

If he had anesthesia It could result in temporary confusion.

Reimer, your profile says that dad has alzheimers/dementia. I would start keeping a log of what he's saying and get him in to see his doctor, who should refer you to a neurologist.

My mom, who has had a stroke with some damage to her speech center, often will say things like "payroll" when she means checkbook, and other substitutions where i am able to guess her meaning. I can remember a cousin who had encephalitis and resulting neurological issues, having the same kind of problems.