Is delirium the same as dementia?

Is delirium the same as dementia?

Delirium and dementia (which includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease) have some similarities, but they are not the same.

• Delirium mostly affects a person’s attention. Dementia affects memory.
• Delirium is a temporary state that begins suddenly. Dementia is chronic (long-term) confusion that usually begins gradually and worsens over time.

However, someone can have both delirium and dementia. Seek care quickly if a person, especially one with dementia, begins to show symptoms of delirium.