Question

What are three differences between dementia and delirium? Can a client who has dementia also experience delirium? How is the focus of nursing care different for clients who have dementia vs. clients who have delirium?

Answer 1

Ans) The  differences between dementia and delirium:

Dementia develops over time, with a slow progression of cognitive decline. Delirium occurs abruptly, and symptoms can fluctuate during the day. The hallmark separating delirium from underlying dementia is inattention. The individual simply cannot focus on one idea or task.

- Delirium can be very distressing for the person and their family. Delirium is different from dementia. For someone with delirium, symptoms come on over a matter of hours or a few days. The symptoms of dementia come on slowly, over a period of months or even years.

- Nursing care:

For dementia

• Provide appropriate cognitive enhancement techniques and social engagement.

• Ensure adequate rest, sleep, fluid, nutrition, elimination, pain control, and comfort measures.

• Avoid the use of physical and pharmacologic restraints.

For delirium:

• Assess level of anxiety.
• Provide an appropriate environment.
• Promote patient's safety.
• Ask assistance from others when needed. ...
• Stay calm and reassure patient.