Delirium happens suddenly over a few hours or days. It can quickly cause a person to feel more confused, upset, anxious, or sleepier than usual.
Delirium can last a few days to many weeks, and it can take weeks or months to recover.
Dementia is a slow, steady decline in mental skills like memory and thinking. It happens over several months or years. Alzheimer’s disease is 1 type of dementia.
It can be hard to know when someone with dementia has delirium. You may notice a sudden change in how they act. You may notice they can’t do things as well as usual or have trouble paying attention.
An important first step is to tell a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider about the changes you see in a family member, friend, or yourself. Checking on these small changes early can make a difference.
If you have questions about delirium or dementia, call Health Link at 811. You can talk to a registered nurse and ask about the Dementia Advice Line.
