Gerontological Nursing
Delirium vs Dementia
Differentiating between acute fluctuating confusion and progressive cognitive decline is essential for geriatric assessment.
Delirium Characteristics
- Acute onset, typically over hours to days.
- Fluctuating level of consciousness and attention.
- Often caused by underlying medical issues like UTI or electrolyte imbalance.
- Usually reversible if the root cause is treated promptly.
Dementia Characteristics
- Insidious, slow onset over months to years.
- Stable level of consciousness in early stages.
- Progressive memory impairment and cognitive decline.
- Generally irreversible, focus is on supportive care.
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