Delirium in the Hospitalised Elderly

Delirium is a clinically diagnosed, diffuse brain disorder characterised by a variety of cognitive and behavioural disturbances. It is a common and serious problem in a hospital setting and frequently remains unrecognised in elderly patients. Delirium is usually caused by multiple factors, many of which are preventable. There is an inverse relationship between patient vulnerability and the severity of insult required to induce delirium. Although previously considered to be a self‐limiting condition, complete reversibility is the exception rather than the rule. The prognosis is often poor, with significant inpatient mortality, substantially increased care costs and the need for additional home care, rehabilitation and long‐term residential care.