Delirium is often a very frightening experience for both patients and relatives, and one that can be difficult to talk about.
It is important to note that delirium is extremely common in people receiving hospital care, and there is a lot that can be done to help. When someone has delirium, the symptoms come on very quickly, over the course of one or two days or even a few hours, whereas dementia develops gradually over months or years. The symptoms of delirium also tend to vary a lot throughout the day.
You can find more information about delirium and understand more about symptoms and treatment on the Dementia UK website and the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) & Health Improvement Scotland booklet.
