Delirium is a state of mental confusion.
Delirium is a common medical problem that is characterised by changes in mental functioning.
Illness, surgery and medications can all cause delirium. It always starts suddenly, but usually lifts when the condition causing it gets better.
It can be frightening – not only for the person who is unwell – but also those around him or her.
Delirium is a serious medical emergency and statistics suggest that the prevalence of delirium in people having surgery is about 10 – 50%.
People who develop delirium may need to be hospitalised, and have more complications with increased incidence of falls and pressure areas. They may also require admission to long term care.
Delirium is a recognised problem in older people, that is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, and is very distressing to individuals and to their families and carers.
More information can be found on this brochure.
