The Three D’s: Dementia, Delirium and Depression (3.0 Category I Social Work credits for social workers through the National Association of Social Workers, pending and 3.0 Ethics credits for Certified Case Managers through CCMC, pending)

Dementia, delirium and depression often coexist in elderly clients. Failure to properly cognitively assess and
recognize the differences and similarities between these issues can result in serious harm to clients. Delirium, often  a medical emergency, needs to be recognized and treated immediately. Medical professionals may attribute acute cognitive changes to chronic cognitive disorders. This lecture provides a clear and simple approach to  understanding the etiology, presentation and corrective actions necessary for managing this common co-morbidity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe two clinical features of delirium
2. Articulate three preventative nonpharmacological interventions for delirium
3. Identify two major features of dementia, depression and delirium that are similar
4. Explain two major features of dementia, delirium and depression that distinguish one from the other.