34 2.4.2 Delirium

Delirium:  An acute state of confusion marked by changes in a person’s ability to focus, remember, remain alert & oriented and think clearly. Delirium is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY

• Seniors are 4X more likely to experience delirium due to co-morbid conditions that put them at higher risk
• Delirium may be reversed if treated quickly but if it persists, it can result in permanent disability or even death
• Signs of delirium may persist for 12 months or longer
• Mortality rates among hospitalized patients with delirium range from 22-76%
• Delirium is associated with a one-year mortality rate of 35-40%

In patients with dementia, delirium leads to poor health outcomes:

• Prolonged hospital stay
• Hospital readmission within 30-days
• Cognitive and physical decline
• Placement in LTC homes
• Death etc.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Diagnosing Delirium:

• A crucial element for diagnosis is “knowing the person”
• Medical History: What has changed?
• Screening:  Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
• Acute changes in mental status AND fluctuating course
• Inattention
• Disorganized thinking
• Altered level of consciousness^[6]