Delirium

Delirium is an acute change in mental status that is common among older people in hospital. Characterised by a disturbance of consciousness, attention, cognition and perception that develops over a short period of time (usually hours to a few days), delirium is a serious condition and is associated with increased risk of harm.

Click here to learn more about Altered Mental Status (AMS)

Patients with h/o Parkinsonism have delirium and dilated non reactive pupils --> think of anticholinergic overdose

Tx - give choline-esterase inhibitor like physostigmine

Dementia

Only 5% of Alzheimer disease is inherited.

Lewy body Dementia

Lewy bodies = intracellular eosinophilic inclusions composed of alpha-synuclein

Progressive, cognitive decline that interferes with normal social or occupational functions

2 of the following is required to Dx: