Delirium: One of the symptoms for older Covid-19 patients 

Delirium: One of the symptoms for older Covid-19 patients 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health

In news

• A new study supports evidence that delirium can predict coronavirus infection in older patients who show no other typical symptoms of Covid-19.

Important value additions 

• Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. 
• The start of delirium is usually rapid — within hours or a few days.
• Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance (such as low sodium), medication, infection, surgery, or alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.

Do you know? 

Delirium and dementia

• Dementia and delirium may be particularly difficult to distinguish, and a person may have both. 
• Onset: The onset of delirium occurs within a short time, while dementia usually begins with relatively minor symptoms that gradually worsen over time.
• Attention: The ability to stay focused or maintain attention is significantly impaired with delirium. A person in the early stages of dementia remains generally alert.
• Fluctuation: The appearance of delirium symptoms can fluctuate significantly and frequently throughout the day. While people with dementia have better and worse times of day, their memory and thinking skills stay at a fairly constant level during the course of a day.