Delirium increases risk of death

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Delirium is a common yet frequently under-diagnosed disorder affecting consciousness.
• Core features include acute onset, inattention, and fluctuating course.
• Associated symptoms may involve psychiatric, sleep-wake, and psychomotor disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the key features and current understanding of delirium.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and under-diagnosis of delirium.
• To underscore the need for further research into delirium's pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of delirium's core features and known characteristics.
• Analysis of reported symptoms, including psychiatric, sleep-wake, and psychomotor disturbances.
• Discussion of the current state of knowledge regarding delirium's pathophysiology.

Main Results:

• Delirium is characterized by acute onset, inattention, and fluctuation.
• Psychiatric symptoms, sleep-wake disturbances, and psychomotor changes are frequently observed.
• The pathophysiology of delirium remains largely unclear.

Conclusions:

• Delirium is a significant disorder of consciousness with distinct clinical features.
• Under-diagnosis remains a critical issue, necessitating improved recognition and management strategies.
• Further investigation into the underlying pathophysiology is essential for advancing clinical practice.