Delirium in the Elderly Patient

Abstract

TRANSIENT global disorders of cognition and attention, usually referred to as delirium or acute confusional states, are one of the most common and important forms of psychopathology in later life.^{1 2 3 4 5 6} Hodkinson has stated, "Acute mental confusion as a presenting symptom holds a central position in the medicine of old age. Its importance cannot be overemphasized, for acute confusion is a far more common herald of the onset of physical illness in an older person than are, for example, fever, pain or tachycardia."⁷ The elderly, especially the very old, are uniquely prone to delirium as a consequence of almost any physical . . .