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Is Dementia Different From Delirium?
Question: Dear Doctor, I care for an eldely person and need some advice. (1) Could you give me some guidelines that could help me to tell the difference between mild dementia and delirium? and (2) In what ways is it easy to confuse the two with regard to symptoms?
Brief Answer:
Acute onset of delirium
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns.
The difference is that Dementia develops over time, with a slow progression of cognitive decline. Delirium occurs abruptly, and symptoms can fluctuate during the day and from day to day.
The hallmark in differentiating them is that delirium causes inattention and distraction. The individual simply cannot focus on one idea or task. Also, the individual suffers from disorganized thinking and altered level of consciousness including hallucinations.
Generally, it is difficult to differentiate between both conditions as they tend to occur together in many cases.
I hope I answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Acute onset of delirium
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns.
The difference is that Dementia develops over time, with a slow progression of cognitive decline. Delirium occurs abruptly, and symptoms can fluctuate during the day and from day to day.
The hallmark in differentiating them is that delirium causes inattention and distraction. The individual simply cannot focus on one idea or task. Also, the individual suffers from disorganized thinking and altered level of consciousness including hallucinations.
Generally, it is difficult to differentiate between both conditions as they tend to occur together in many cases.
I hope I answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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