Question

A 76-year-old woman is admitted after a fall with a hip fracture. Post-operatively she is confused, with fluctuating attention and disorganised thinking. Baseline cognitive function was intact. Which statement best distinguishes delirium from dementia in this context?

Accepted Answer

Delirium has an acute onset and fluctuating course with impaired attention

Answer

Delirium is always associated with fever and leukocytosis

Answer

Dementia typically presents with acute changes after surgery

Answer

Dementia always involves hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Delirium is a benign, self-limited condition requiring no evaluation

Practice question

A 76-year-old woman is admitted after a fall with a hip fracture. Post-operatively she is confused, with fluctuating attention and disorganised thinking. Baseline cognitive function was intact. Which statement best distinguishes delirium from dementia in this context?