Delirium

is a sudden change in a person’s mental state over a few hours or days, and tends to vary during the day – people may be confused at some times and seem their normal selves at other times.

Delirium can last for weeks and even months in older people.

Causes

• Pain
• Infection (e.g. UTI, pneumonia, infected pressure sores etc.)
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Reaction to medication
• Withdrawal (e.g. from alcohol, or from prescribed drugs if stopped too quickly)

Outcomes

A person with delirium is more likely to go into hospital and stay longer in hospital

May lose some of their abilities

Has an increased chance of dying

Further Resources

The Delirium pages contain information on websites from across the world offering valuable information and training material

Vist the delirium pages