Which delirium subtype is most common in hospitalized elderly?

Which delirium subtype is most common in hospitalized elderly?

• A. Hyperactive
• B. Hypoactive
• C. Mixed
• D. No delirium

Answer: (B)

Delirium in hospitalized older adults most often shows up as hypoactive delirium, where the person appears quiet, sleepy, with reduced attention and slowed thinking or activity. This pattern is especially common in the elderly because aging brains are more vulnerable to insults (like infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances), and these stresses tend to dampen arousal and energy rather than provoke agitation. Hyperactive delirium, with agitation and restlessness, is important and recognizable but occurs less frequently in this population. Mixed delirium, with alternating features, is also seen, but hypoactive remains the most common overall. No delirium isn’t a subtype at all—it’s the absence of delirium.

Delirium in hospitalized older adults most often shows up as hypoactive delirium, where the person appears quiet, sleepy, with reduced attention and slowed thinking or activity. This pattern is especially common in the elderly because aging brains are more vulnerable to insults (like infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances), and these stresses tend to dampen arousal and energy rather than provoke agitation. Hyperactive delirium, with agitation and restlessness, is important and recognizable but occurs less frequently in this population. Mixed delirium, with alternating features, is also seen, but hypoactive remains the most common overall. No delirium isn’t a subtype at all—it’s the absence of delirium.