Which statement best describes delirium in older adults?

Which statement best describes delirium in older adults?

• A. Acute onset and fluctuating attention and cognition
• B. Progressive cognitive decline without fluctuations
• C. Mood-only changes without cognitive impairment
• D. Delirium cannot be distinguished from dementia

Answer: (A)

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and cognition seen in older adults. The hallmark is a sudden onset over hours to days with inattention and disorganized thinking, and the level of alertness can swing up and down during the day. This contrasts with dementia, which is a chronic, progressive decline in cognition without these rapid fluctuations in attention. Mood-only changes without clear cognitive impairment don’t describe delirium. Delirium also isn’t indistinguishable from dementia; its distinguishing feature is the abrupt, fluctuating cognitive disturbance caused by an underlying medical issue, medication, or other insults, which is usually reversible with appropriate treatment.

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and cognition seen in older adults. The hallmark is a sudden onset over hours to days with inattention and disorganized thinking, and the level of alertness can swing up and down during the day. This contrasts with dementia, which is a chronic, progressive decline in cognition without these rapid fluctuations in attention. Mood-only changes without clear cognitive impairment don’t describe delirium. Delirium also isn’t indistinguishable from dementia; its distinguishing feature is the abrupt, fluctuating cognitive disturbance caused by an underlying medical issue, medication, or other insults, which is usually reversible with appropriate treatment.