Edinburgh Delirium Research Group

About Delirium

Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating deficits in
consciousness and attention, along with a marked reduction in global cognitive functioning.

Amongst the elderly, delirium is the most common complication upon hospital admission with a prevalence of 10 - 40%. While delirium was long considered to be a reversible, short-lived condition, there is evidence that symptoms persist, particularly in elderly people. Delirium is associated with a poorer prognosis such as a prolonged stay in hospital, increased mortality and morbidity, long-term cognitive decline and increased likelihood of institutionalisation. Studies have indicated that despite its high prevalence and association with a bleak prognosis, delirium remains under-detected with over half of cases going undiagnosed.

NICE Guidelines for Delirium

Edinburgh Delirium Research Group
About EDRG About Delirium People	About Delirium Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating deficits in consciousness and attention, along with a marked reduction in global cognitive functioning. Amongst the elderly, delirium is the most common complication upon hospital admission with a prevalence of 10 - 40%. While delirium was long considered to be a reversible, short-lived condition, there is evidence that symptoms persist, particularly in elderly people. Delirium is associated with a poorer prognosis such as a prolonged stay in hospital, increased mortality and morbidity, long-term cognitive decline and increased likelihood of institutionalisation. Studies have indicated that despite its high prevalence and association with a bleak prognosis, delirium remains under-detected with over half of cases going undiagnosed. NICE Guidelines for Delirium