When you see an older person in the hospital or community who has cognitive impairment and is referred for assessment of agitation or depression be sure not to miss hyperactive (looks agitated) or hypoactive (looks quiet, subdued) delirium Ask yourself: was the behavioural change acute in onset, is there fluctuation in level of consciousness or awareness and then assess attention as this is the key domain affected by delirium. Be careful not to diagnose depression when in fact the person is quietly delirious i.e. a hypoactive delirium
When you see an older person in the hospital or community who has cognitive impairment and is referred for assessment of agitation or depression be sure not to miss hyperactive (looks agitated) or hypoactive (looks quiet, subdued) delirium Ask yourself: was the behavioural change acute in onset, is there fluctuation in level of consciousness or awareness and then assess attention as this is the key domain affected by delirium. Be careful not to diagnose depression when in fact the person is quietly delirious i.e. a hypoactive delirium