Delirium in the elderly

Delirium is a common and serious medical condition in the elderly and is the focus of increasing attention because of its high rate of associated morbidity and mortality and enormous impact on health care costs. Early recognition of the syndrome is essential, as is a thorough understanding of the role of medications as potential causes and as symptomatic treatments. This article covers the epidemiology, clinical presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and assessment, prognosis, and prevention of delirium.