A GP guide to deprescribing in delirium
Delirium is a common, distressing and serious condition in older patients that is often caused by medications.
Delirium is an acute and fluctuating disorder of attention, awareness and cognition affecting up to 50% of older people in hospital.1
Previously, delirium was considered to be benign and readily reversible, however, recent research shows delirium can cause irreversible functional decline, nursing home admission and death.2
Following an episode of delirium, patients may develop new cognitive impairment and worsening dementia, indicative of permanent brain injury, although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not yet known.
As a result, the impact of delirium is far reaching and the economic costs are substantial — estimates in Australia alone are $8.8billion per year.3
