Delirium & Dementia Flashcards
Delirium and Dementia are classified as __________ disorders
cognitive
“significant change in cognition (memory, attention, language, judgment) from previous level of functioning”
“Waxing and waning” level of consciousness with acute onset
Delirium
Rapid decrease in attention span and level of arousal
Delirium
Characterized by disorganized thinking, hallucinations (often visual), illusions, misperceptions, disturbance in sleep-wake cycle, cognitive dysfunction
Delirium
In delirium, the hallucinations are often _____________
Visual
Check for drugs with _________ effect in delirium
Anti-cholinergic
Usually secondary to other illness (CNS disease, infection, trauma, substance abuse, withdrawal)
Delirium
Most common presentation of altered mental status in inpatient setting. Abnormal EEG.
Delirium
Treatment for Delirium
- Identify cause
- Optimize brain condition (O2, hydration, pain)
- Antipsychotics (mainly haloperidol)
T-A-DA approach
(Tolerate, Anticipate, Don’t Agitate)
Gradual decline in intellectual ability or “cognition” without affecting level of consciousness
Dementia
Characterized by memory deficits, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, loss of abstract thought, behavioral/personality changes, impaired judgment
Dementia
Can a patient with dementia develop delirium?
Yes - e.g. AZ patient with pneumonia
Causes of dementia
AZ, cerebral infarcts, HIV, Pick’s, chronic substance abuse, CJ disease, NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus)
Increased incidence with age. EEG normal, usually.
Dementia
Which is reversible - dementia or delirium?
Delirium
