Deliriumanddementiaare conditions that can be confusing, both to experience and to distinguish.

Both can cause memory loss,poor judgment, a decreased ability tocommunicate, and impaired functioning.

Delirium:Delirium is usually a sudden change in a condition.

Older gentleman playing a puzzle game

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Delirium is also known asacute confusional state, with the key being that it is acute, or sudden.

Duration

Dementia:Dementia is generally a chronic, progressive disease that is incurable.

Delirium:Delirium can last for a couple of days to even a couple of months.

Delirium is almost always temporary if the cause is identified and treated.

Delirium:Delirium may significantly and uncharacteristically impair someone’s ability to speak coherently or appropriately.

Delirium:In delirium, the opposite is true.

However, that rate skyrockets to 89% for those who have dementia and are hospitalized.

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