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Questions and Answers
What is delirium primarily affected by?
What is delirium primarily affected by?
- Memory
- Anatomic changes in the brain
- Attention and awareness (correct)
- Cognitive function
What typically causes delirium?
What typically causes delirium?
- Anatomic changes in the brain
- Irreversible brain damage
- Acute illness or medication toxicity (correct)
- Gradual cognitive decline
Dementia is usually reversible.
Dementia is usually reversible.
False (B)
What is delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD)?
What is delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD)?
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Delirium often develops in patients with _____ .
Delirium often develops in patients with _____ .
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What is the main cognitive function affected by dementia?
What is the main cognitive function affected by dementia?
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Laboratory tests can definitively establish the cause of cognitive impairment.
Laboratory tests can definitively establish the cause of cognitive impairment.
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Delirium can be life threatening and is often _____ .
Delirium can be life threatening and is often _____ .
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Study Notes
Overview of Delirium and Dementia
- Delirium and dementia are primary causes of cognitive impairment, with affective disorders like depression also impacting cognition.
- Distinguishing characteristics define delirium and dementia:
- Delirium primarily affects attention and awareness.
- Dementia primarily affects memory and other cognitive functions.
Key Differences
- Causes:
- Delirium is often caused by acute illness, medication, or drug toxicity and can be reversible.
- Dementia results from anatomical changes in the brain, typically has a slower onset, and is usually irreversible.
- Clinical Misdiagnosis:
- Delirium can be misinterpreted as dementia, especially in older patients.
- No definitive laboratory test exists to identify cognitive impairment causes; thorough history and examination are essential.
Interrelationship Between Delirium and Dementia
- Delirium can develop in patients already diagnosed with dementia, termed delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD).
- DSD can occur in nearly half of hospitalized dementia patients (up to 49%).
- Individuals with a history of delirium are at an increased risk of developing dementia later.
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