Following a study of medicine at the University of Illinois, Dr. Robert Kohn has become a distinguished member of the American Psychiatric Association. He also serves as a consultant to the World Health Organization. In addition, Robert Kohn, MD, is a two-time award-winning geriatric psychiatrist.
Geriatric psychiatry is a medical field that focuses on averting, studying, and treating emotional and mental disorders in elders. And these are adults who are at least 65 years old. The US Census Bureau reckons that by 2030, about one-fifth of Americans will become elders. So, there are several diagnoses in people who are elderly, and two common ones are Delirium and Dementia.
Delirium is an acute disturbance in mental and cognitive functions, which may lead to altered attention or reduced environmental awareness, to mention a few. The disease may be due to severe illness or drug intoxication. So, a person with delirium may experience the following symptoms:
1. Short Attention Span: The person may find it challenging to stay focused on a specific topic, becoming distracted by trivial matters. One who has delirium can also become withdrawn, ignoring environmental impulses.
2. Cognitive Impairment: One with delirium might not be able to read or write with ease. And the person may become forgetful and disoriented.
3. Behavioral Changes: Someone who is delirious can experience hallucinations and become restless. One may have trouble with sleep or a disorganized sleep pattern. For instance, the person may stay awake at night and sleep all day.
Dementia is a holistic term for memory loss and damaged cognition. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia since it accounts for sixty to eighty percent of cases. In general, dementia can stem from brain cell damage or vitamin deficiencies. People who have dementia may experience these symptoms:
1. They may repeat questions or get lost in their environment due to memory loss.
2. They may struggle with speech.
3, They can have issues with financial responsibilities.
Summarily, Dementia and Delirium are similar, so it would help to consult a doctor when experiencing any of the symptoms above.