Dementia, delirium, and depression have similar symptoms, with detection not always obvious and therefore treatment opportunities missed.
There are more than 200 subtypes of dementia, which can develop at any age, and each person living with dementia will be affected differently. Projections suggest 1 million people will be living with dementia by 2025, and nearly double that by 2050.
Delirium is a common syndrome triggered by illness, injury or drug intoxication resulting in the sudden deterioration of mental functioning. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, major surgery and medications can also cause delirium with about two in every 10 hospital patients experiencing a period of ‘acute confusional state’ and is even more likely for patients in intensive care units.
Depression is the most common mental health condition experienced by people in the community. Not only can it be extremely debilitating, but it is also associated with increased mortality. The World Health Organization recognises depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide.
It is important to be able to distinguish depression, dementia, and delirium from one another so that the conditions are treated appropriately.
This learning unit should enable nurses to explain the key differences in symptoms of dementia, depression, and delirium and identify symptoms indicating the need to assess patients for each.
After studying this unit you should be able to:
- Describe the most common symptoms associated with dementia;
- Explain the range of issues people with dementia may encounter;
- Describe the most common symptoms associated with depression;
- Describe the most common symptoms associated with delirium;
- List the measures that can be taken to prevent people with dementia from developing delirium;
- Explain the key differences in symptoms of dementia, depression, and delirium;
- Identify symptoms indicating the need to assess patients for dementia, delirium, or depression.