Distinguishing delirium and dementia

Authors: Shapiro, Benjamin; Mervis, James Randy

Source: Aging Health, Volume 3, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 33-48(16)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $73.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Delirium and dementia are syndromes with multiple cognitive impairments common to the elderly and to medically ill patients. While strides have been made in recognition of both delirium and dementia, underdiagnosis is common. Delirium and dementia cause great suffering in patients, families and caregivers. Both necessitate further advancement in assessment methods and treatment, especially when they overlap. Differentiating delirium and dementia requires recognizing that both may present with cognitive, behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but attentional disturbance and acute onset are cardinal discriminators in delirium. Superimposed delirium on dementia presents a particularly vexing problem in terms of recognition, treatment and prognosis. The pathophysiology of delirium results from diffuse cortical dysfunction or impairment in susceptible areas of the cortex and the reticular activating system. The pathophysiology of dementia is varied across dementias although several share histolological features. Treatment for both delirium and dementia includes antipsychotic medications and cholinesterase inhibitors, among others, although the disadvantages of pharmacological treatment are becoming better understood and demand caution. Nevertheless, there is an array of treatments and preventive strategies being explored for dementia, and to a lesser degree for delirium, that hold promise for the future.

Keywords: assessment; course; delirium; dementia; diagnosis; epidemiology; pathophysiology; prevention; screening; treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/1745509X.3.1.33

Affiliations: 1: 1VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare, West Los Angeles Healthcare Center, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA., Email: Shapirob@ucla.edu

Publication date: 2007-02-01

More about this publication?

Aging Health leading coverage of current and emerging topics relating to the safe and effective management of therapy in the elderly, all subject to rigorous peer review. The journal focuses on the most important advances and highlights their relevance in the clinical setting. The journal has been designed to deliver essential concise information in an easily assimilable format - vital for the increasingly time-constrained professional.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Submit a Paper
Subscribe to this Title
Information for Advertisers
Terms & Conditions
Information for Librarians
E-Access Trials
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Distinguishing delirium and dementia

Buy & download fulltext article:

Tools

Key

Text size:

Useful pages