Clinical aspects of delirium

Delirium is a common and frequently missed condition in elderly people admitted to hospital, and represents a considerable financial and health burden. It is important to recognise both those suffering from and those at high risk of delirium at the time of admission to hospital, which allows preventative and therapeutic measures to be instituted. Management of delirium is a multicomponent and multidisciplinary undertaking, with important considerations throughout hospital stay and following discharge.