Overview of Delirium and Dementia

What is delirium primarily affected by?

What typically causes delirium?

Dementia is usually reversible.

What is delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD)?

Delirium often develops in patients with _____ .

What is the main cognitive function affected by dementia?

Laboratory tests can definitively establish the cause of cognitive impairment.

Delirium can be life threatening and is often _____ .

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.

This quiz provides an informative overview of delirium and dementia, highlighting their definitions, symptoms, and differences. Gain essential knowledge about these neurological disorders, which are crucial for patient care in the field of neurology.