Question

What differentiates delirium from dementia?

• A. Confusion
• B. Difficulty in communicating
• C. Hallucination
• D. Sudden change

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The primary distinction between delirium and dementia lies in the onset and characteristics of symptoms. Delirium is typically identified by its sudden change in mental status. This acute and often fluctuating confusion makes it distinctly different from dementia, which generally develops gradually over time and is characterized by a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function.

In cases of delirium, symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and communication difficulties can arise; however, the key factor is the abruptness and variability of these symptoms. Conversely, dementia tends to present with slow, steady deterioration in cognitive abilities, including memory deficits and impaired communication, without the sudden shifts seen in delirium.

Condition	Onset	Characteristic Feature
Delirium	Sudden	Fluctuating mental status
Dementia	Gradual	Progressive cognitive decline

Therefore, the correct answer highlighting what differentiates delirium from dementia is sudden change.