Delirium is a medical condition that causes a temporary problem with mental function.
Delirium in older adults often goes unrecognized by health care professionals. Studies have shown that up to 67% of delirium cases were not recognized by physicians and 43% of cases were not recognized by nurses caring for the patients.*
It often begins quite suddenly.
The symptoms tend to come and go, and often increase at night.
It is a medical emergency, and early diagnoses and treatment offer the best chance of recovery.
Delirium is NOT a mental illness, nor is it the same as dementia. Delirium is a medical condition that causes a temporary problem with mental function.
* Inouye, S. (2000). Assessment and management of delirium in hospitalized older patients. Annals of LTC, 8 (12), 53-59.
Talk about changes in your loved one, even if no one asks.
About Us
An interdisciplinary committee at the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) in Halifax, Nova Scotia initiated the “This is not my Mom” campaign in June 2012 to increase awareness among health professionals and families of people at risk of delirium. The committee is comprised of members from the Centre for Health Care of the Elderly (CHCE), the Helping Elderly Adults Live Their Healthiest (HEALTH) Committee and Geriatric Medicine Research (GMR).
Members of the Advisory Committee include:
Susan Freter, MD, FRCPC – Geriatrician, NSHA
Kenneth Rockwood, MD, FRCPC, FRCP – Geriatrician, NSHA
Chris MacKnight, MD, MSc, FRCPC – Geriatrician, NSHA
Susan Bowles, PharmD, MSc, FCCP – Clinical Coordinator, NSHA
Patricia Bilski, MN, RN, GNC(C) – Clinical Nurse Specialist, Veterans’ Services
Heather MacLeod, BSc OT Reg (NS) – Geriatric Assessor, NSHA
Credits for our PSA video:
Daughter: Kathryn Hominck (volunteer actor & social worker at GMR)
Mother: Barb Mulrooney (volunteer actor)
Doctor: Steve Keeling (volunteer actor)
Film production: Spider Video
Funding was obtained from the Evelyn Negus Fund which supports Geriatric Education at the NSHA.