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Published on: November 6, 2017
[Delirium and dementia].
1Geriatría, Programa Municipal de Memoria y Demencias, Málaga, España. jmmarinc1@wanadoo.es
Revista Espanola De Geriatria Y Gerontologia
|May 8, 2009
Summary
Delirium and dementia are common in older adults, often co-occurring. This article proposes a new approach to understanding delirium, viewing it as a complex geriatric syndrome intertwined with dementia.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Disorders
Context:
- Delirium and dementia are highly prevalent neurocognitive syndromes in the elderly.
- These syndromes share epidemiologic, pathogenic, and clinical features.
- Current understanding often treats them as separate entities, lacking clarity on their association.
Purpose:
- To propose a paradigm shift in the diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approach to delirium in the elderly.
- To explore the complex interrelations between delirium and dementia, moving beyond dichotomic models.
- To highlight delirium as a crucial model for investigating cognitive disorders and dementia.
Summary:
- Reviews the overlapping features of delirium and dementia in the elderly.
- Addresses the lack of scientific evidence explaining the association between these two syndromes.
- Advocates for an integrated approach recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of delirium and dementia.
Impact:
- Encourages a more holistic understanding and management of neurocognitive disorders in older adults.
- Provides a framework for future research into the mechanisms underlying delirium and its relationship with dementia.
- Aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, prevention strategies, and therapeutic interventions for elderly patients.
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