Dementia is often confused with Delirium

Introduction > Dementia is often confused with Delirium

DEMENTIA	DELIRIUM
gradual onset	abrupt or recent onset
generally progressive and irreversible in nature as less than 5% of dementias are reversible [3]	generally reversible in nature as approximately 90% of delirium cases are reversible [3]
non-fluctuating with a normal level of consciousness	fluctuating symptoms
effects one’s ability to function independently	hallucinations and delusions may be present
is not a normal part of the aging process	patients with an underlying history of dementia are more susceptible to developing delirium

For more comparisons between dementia and delirium, follow this link.

Don't forget - memory loss in isolation does not always mean dementia!

_________________________________