How is dementia differentiated from delirium and depression?
Dementia is typically a chronic condition, with gradual progression of symptoms and is not usually characterized by altered levels of consciousness or significant day-to-day fluctuations in function and thinking. Delirium is a state of acute confusion, inattention, and altered level of consciousness, usually abrupt in onset. Fewer somatic symptoms, e.g., headaches and gastrointestinal distress, are less prevalent with dementia than with depression. • What are the symptoms of dementia? Dementia patients often have impairments in multiple domains including the following: cognition (e.g., inability to follow directions), emotional (e.g., emotional lability), behavioral (e.g., combativeness during bathing), social (e.g., inappropriate sexual activity), functional (e.g., self-care deficits), environmental (inability to find own room), and physical (e.g., altered nutritional status). Short-term memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms of dementia. • Under what conditions is a work-up for
