In: Nursing
Define and differentiate among delirium, dementia and amnestic disorder.
Include a list of all references used to support your
Definition :
Delirium: State of confusion and disorientation
Dementia: Gradual worsening of memory loss and cognitive behaviour.
Amnesia: Memory impairment.
Description | Delirium | Dementia | Amnestic disorder |
Onset | sudden | gradual | gradual |
Course | hours to days | 8 to 10 years | over 50 years |
Cognition | acutely disrupted | chronic detoriation | detoriated |
Behavior | agitation and lethargic | apathy, restlessness, wandering | apathy, bland |
Sleep and wake cycle | disturbed | varied | disturbed |
Characteristics | impaired short term memory, fluctuating levels of consciousness | memory impairment | memory loss, disorientation, apathy, newer memories are formed |
Diagnosis | difficult to diagnose | delayed diagnosis | easily diagnosed by others |
Treatment | treating the cause, reduction of symptoms | medications, client support | no treatment, patient support to be given |
Prognosis | reversible | irreversible | reversible |