Dehydration delerium?

[limetrees32]

Partner of over 30 years became v confused and disorientated following 2 long haul flights .
He seemed fine one minute and suddenly became very strange - repeatedly questioning our destination ,forgetting that our son lived with us and had come on the journey with us ( " where did we meet him ? where does he live now ? )
Possibly building earlier and we didn't notice while on plane .
On return journey he had another episode on the plane .Didn't understand what we were doing or that we were on a plane .It was dark with blinds down .
First episode resolved in about 24 hours .
Second was quicker to improve .? we were insisting he drink.
I do think he has something underlying going on - I feel the start of some type of dementia.But these very sudden and pronounced changes have shocked me .
Any thoughts ?

UTI, has he had a urine dip?

UTI is a thought!
But could an infection produce such sudden symptoms which also resolve so quickly ?

When my DF became like this it was a UTI. Resolved after a could of says and he never showed symptoms of delirium again and lived until his late 80s.

And occur twice 10 days apart ?
Maybe low level chronic and flares up under pressure ?

No. Highly unlikely.
More likely to be something to do with hypoxia and brain perfusion. Not a TIA as it was generalised symptoms not focal (which are classic for Tia)
He needs a GP appointment and a good history and examination with a neurology or care of the elderly specialist

What did the GP say?

Hmm, it's a bit odd for a UTI ( bad enough to cause confusion) to resolve within 24 hrs, and to repeat, exactly the same the next time he flies.
OP, does he have any underlying health conditions...like COPD for instance, or other respiratory illnesses?
His oxygen sats might have dropped.
Most people can assimilate this drop with no problems, but some extra vulnerable people can exhibit symptoms if it goes below 85%.

An Oximeter might be helpful next time, with some readings before the flight to determine baseline.

However, I would keep a close eye on him, generally. A urine lipstick would not be unreasonable.
How old is he?

I have just seen @Musicaltheatremum post and entirely agree, actually. Any period of confusion, out of the blue, needs a robust clinical investigation and history.

@Musicaltheatremum @Oneearringlost @CousinBette
Yes I agree it needs investigating.
We only got back last night so I've not yet got his agreement to this ( it will be very difficult).
Thank you .

All the best @limetrees32 a bit worrying, to be sure. Thinking of you. X

@Oneearringlostnot sure I fancy a urine "lipstick" lovely typo! 🤣

Ha! Nor me, missed that 🤢

I would be taking him to A&E as soon as possible.