June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the article below is one of several this month to educate the public about these important topics.
Delirium and dementia are two conditions that can occur in older adults that are often misunderstood or confused. Although they may share similarities, they are separate conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Let’s evaluate the key differences between delirium and dementia to better understand these important medical phenomena.
What is delirium?
Delirium is a sudden, severe change in mental function that can occur in people of any age, but is more common in older adults. Delirium is often caused by an underlying condition, such as an infection such as a urinary tract infection, a side effect of a medication, or dehydration. Delirium can progress rapidly within hours or days and is characterized by fluctuating levels of consciousness, confusion, disorientation (trouble knowing the date, time, or where you are), and altered perception. People experiencing delirium may also exhibit agitation, hallucinations, and disturbed sleep patterns. Delirium is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to identify and address the underlying cause.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia, on the other hand, is a progressive neurological disease characterized by cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Unlike delirium, which often has a sudden onset, dementia develops gradually over time and worsens gradually. Memory loss, impaired judgment, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood and behavior are common symptoms of dementia. There is currently no cure for dementia, but treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key Differences
Onset and duration: Delirium usually begins suddenly and can last for hours, days, or weeks, whereas dementia develops more slowly over months or years and worsens over time.
Causes: Delirium is often caused by an underlying condition such as an infection or a side effect from a medication, while dementia is caused by progressive brain changes that accompany certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms: Delirium is characterized by fluctuating levels of consciousness, confusion, and disorientation, while dementia is characterized by memory loss, impaired thinking, and changes in behavior.
Reversibility: Delirium is often reversible once the underlying cause is identified and treated, whereas dementia is generally irreversible and requires ongoing management and support.
Treatment: Treatment for delirium focuses on addressing the underlying medical condition and providing supportive care to manage symptoms, while treatment for dementia aims to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Although delirium and dementia may have similarities in symptoms, they are separate illnesses with different causes, courses and treatments. Understanding the differences between the two illnesses is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in mental functioning, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate interventions and support. With the right care and understanding, people suffering from delirium and dementia can get the help they need to maintain their health and well-being.
Robiann Broomfield is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. She has also completed a clinical residency in Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at Baylor College of Medicine/TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. In September, she will begin a fellowship in Neuropsychology at Harvard Medical School.
