“What exactly is delirium?” The article, “Detecting Delirium,” discusses the various issues that healthcare providers face in the formal identification of the disorder.

The report, in todaysgeriatricmedicine.com, explains that “delirium leads to poorer surgical outcomes, higher rates of injury and complications, and may prolong a decrease in functional status for as long as six months postdischarge. Delirium also has been found to impair communication, cognition, and recovery in the elderly.” http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/MA17p12.shtml