Do you have a loved one suffering from delirium or dementia? It’s important to know the differences, causes, and symptoms of these two conditions so you’re prepared to take care of your loved one. If you are researching the differences between delirium vs. dementia, we have compiled a list of the symptoms and signs you need to be familiar with.
Table of Contents
What Are the Differences Between Delirium and Dementia?
Delirium and dementia are both conditions that affect cognitive function, but they differ in their onset, duration, and underlying causes. The differences between delirium and dementia are the following:
1. Onset of Symptoms
One difference between delirium and dementia is the onset of symptoms. Delirium is known as an acute confusional state. The condition occurs when someone experiences an abrupt change in their ability to remember things. On the other hand, dementia progresses slowly over a more extended time period. It is important to seek medical attention if your loved one is experiencing abrupt symptoms of delirium.
2. Risk Factors
If you are comparing the differences between delirium and dementia, delirium can be caused by conditions such as pneumonia, drug use or withdrawal, and dehydration. Mixing prescription medications can cause delirium as well. Some common risk factors for delirium include old age, severe medical conditions, and the use of certain medications. Dementia usually is caused by health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease—which is a specific type of dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Some common risk factors for dementia include aging, family history of memory issues, and underlying health conditions.
3. Longevity
Delirium is generally a temporary condition that improves over time—if treated properly. It can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. Whereas dementia is an incurable, long-term condition that worsens over time.
4. Communication Skills
One of the more difficult giveaways of delirium vs dementia is through communication. Delirium can significantly affect one’s ability to communicate clearly with others. People with dementia also often struggle with finding the right words and expressing themselves.
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5. Memory & Concentration Skills
If you are analyzing the distinctive characteristics of delirium vs dementia, it’s important to know that individuals with delirium have functioning memory but deteriorating alertness. However, people with dementia have higher alertness but impaired memory.
6. Responsiveness & Activity
A person with delirium experiences either a significant increase or decrease in activity level. On the other hand, activity levels in people with dementia are typically normal until later stages.
3 Types of Delirium
1. Hyperactive
Hyperactive delirium occurs when an individual experiences a significant increase in daily activity levels. This type of delirium is characterized by restlessness, agitation, mood changes, hallucinations, and a rejection of care from family members, friends, and healthcare professionals.
2. Hypoactive
Hypoactive delirium occurs when an individual experiences a significant decrease in daily activity levels. This type of delirium is characterized by lethargy, sluggishness, drowsiness, and dazed behavior.
3. Mixed
A person with mixed delirium transitions between temporary phases of hyperactive and hypoactive delirium. This type is characterized by the symptoms listed above, but the individual switches back and forth between them.
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Dementia Types & Symptoms
Dementia is broken up into two categories: Alzheimer’s type and non-Alzheimer’s type.
1. Alzheimer’s
Dementia in the Alzheimer type category typically presents itself through memory loss, difficulties with language, and loss of normal brain function.
2. Non-Alzheimer’s
Dementia in the non-Alzheimer type category is typically associated with speech impairment, loss of executive function, and noticeable behavior and/or personality changes.
Symptoms Of Delirium
- Inability to recognize surroundings
- Cognitive impairment
- Changes in behavior
- Emotional disturbance
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Simultaneous Delirium & Dementia
Simultaneous Delirium & DementiaIf you are analyzing the distinct symptoms of dementia vs delirium, it’s important to be aware that an individual can suffer from both conditions at the same time. People with dementia often develop delirium, but people who experience delirium don’t necessarily have dementia. Since no case is the same, it’s important for every person living with delirium and dementia to receive compassionate, customized care.
Early-Stage Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms of early onset dementia include:
- Forgetting recent information
- Repeating oneself within a short time period
- Misplacing everyday items
- Not knowing the date/time
- Struggling with words
- Changes in mood, behavior, or interests
Late-Stage Symptoms 0f Dementia
- Inability to remember things and make basic decisions
- Increased struggle with words
- Struggle with daily tasks
- Decrease in rationality and problem solving
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Frequent negative moods
- Hallucinations
Trusted Dementia Care Services at Terra Vista
Terra Vista is a dementia care assisted living facility and community in Oakbrook Terrace, IL that is dedicated to fostering the physical and mental health of your loved ones with dementia.
The staff at our community offers innovative memory care services and is committed to providing high-quality, innovative, and personalized care for every resident with dementia who lives in the community. We treat your family like our family. To discuss the advantages of signing up for our Alzheimer’s care assisted living facility and community, give our team a call by phone at 630-793-0753.
