i. Dementia, delirium and depression

Aim

The aim of this content focus area is to provide an overview of dementia, delirium and depression.

Outcome

By the end of this content focus area, participants should be able to distinguish between dementia, delirium and depression.

Dementia, delirium and depression

We do know (Alzheimer's Australia, 2005a) that dementia and depression are closely linked. We also know (Edwards, 2003) that dementia can be confused with delirium and vice versa. Thus, differentiating between each condition and the effect of one superimposing on others is vital.

Activity 1:

Follow the steps below to answer:

Question 1: What are the clinical features of dementia, delirium and depression?

Step 1: Test your current knowledge:
Click here to commence Activity 1.

Step 2: Reading
The headings and descriptors in the above activity were sourced from:
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2005) Medical care of older persons in residential aged care facilities (Page 3 & 4 of 10) [Available at http://www.racgp.org.au/silverbookonline/2-1.asp Accessed Jan 2008]

Answers in the table have been directly quoted from:
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2005) Medical care of older persons in residential aged care facilities (Page 3 & 4 of 10) [Available at http://www.racgp.org.au/silverbookonline/2-1.asp Accessed Jan 2008]

Copyright to The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Reproduced with permission. Permission to reproduce must be sought from the publisher, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Step 3: Review your answers to the "drag and drop" exercise
Having accessed the reading and corrected (where necessary) your table from the "drag and drop" exercise-take some time to review the table. Be sure to note areas of similarity and the differences between dementia, delirium and depression, as these are important clinical conditions that you are certain to encounter.

Your Progress