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Review
. 2018 Mar;41(1):1-17.
doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2017.10.001. Epub 2017 Dec 22.

Delirium in the Elderly

Tammy T Hshieh  1 , Sharon K Inouye  2 , Esther S Oh  3
Affiliations
Review

Delirium in the Elderly

Tammy T Hshieh et al. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Delirium is defined as an acute disturbance in attention and cognition, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the basic epidemiology of delirium and approaches to diagnosing, assessing, and working up patients for delirium. It delineates the pathophysiology and underlying predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium. It also discusses recent advances in prevention and treatment, particularly multicomponent, nonpharmacological interventions.

Keywords: Cognitive decline; Delirium; Delirium prevention; Dementia; Nonpharmacological interventions.

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