People cannot always tell the difference between delirium and dementia. Although both conditions can cause cognitive confusion and lead to emotional distress for a senior, there are some differences family members and caregivers should be aware of so the senior can receive appropriate care and treatment. What Is Delirium? Delirium is an abrupt change in the brain that causes confusion. This condition may come and go and is generally temporary and reversible. This is one of the key differences between delirium and dementia: “Delirium is also unique for its severe disorganized thought. This usually leads to a period of inattention or distraction, making the individual unable to focus on tasks. Dementia also features a poor level of focus and concentration, however, the difference is that delirium’s lack of focus stems from rapidly processed thoughts,rather than the stifled ability to conduct thought.” Delirium occurs when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or other nutrients, which can be caused by a variety of factors. The biggest one is chronic disease; in fact, dementia itself can cause delirium. Other causes of delirium may include: Alcohol or Drug Abuse and Withdrawal Bacterial Infections, like Urinary Tract Infections or Pneumonia Certain Prescription Medications Surgery and Procedures Requiring Anesthesia Severe Emotional Distress High Fever Sleep Deprivation Dehydration What Is Dementia? Dementia is cognitive impairment that worsens over time, caused by damage to the brain. As the Alzheimer’s Association points out, “Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.” The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s; the second most common type develops after a stroke, which is known as vascular dementia. Dementia can also be caused by a head injury or trauma, a brain tumor or even a vitamin deficiency, although such a deficiency represents a type of dementia that can often be improved when the cause is recognized and treated. Recognizing the Difference Between Delirium and Dementia Delirium and dementia have many similar symptoms: Difficulty focusing and solving problems Irritability Aggressiveness Memory loss and trouble forming new memories However, it’s essential to recognize the difference. Certain medications that may be used for dementia could actually make delirium worse; in other cases, failing to recognize delirium might mean the senior doesn’t get the care that would help ease or reverse the condition. Here are three key points to help you identify the difference between delirium and dementia: Delirium comes with an inability to focus on a task; a patient with dementia is confused because of an inability to process thoughts. The Alzheimer’s Association says the hallmark of delirium is inattention. Delirium is generally intense and short-lived; dementia is a gradual decline and you will tend to notice symptoms worsening over time. Delirium can generally be reversed if the cause is recognized and corrected; dementia generally cannot. How Elderlink Home Care, Inc. Can Help You If you have a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, Elderlink may be able to help! Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver community for 30 years with a stellar reputation and thousands of satisfied clients. We take great pride in our knowledgeable, compassionate staff and our commitment to high-quality care. For more information about Elderlink Home Care’s services, contact us today. We’ll work with you to identify the best strategy to get your loved one the care he or she needs.