Which statement is true about delirium in hospitalized elderly?

Which statement is true about delirium in hospitalized elderly?

• A. Hypoactive delirium is the most common type
• B. Hyperactive delirium is the most common type
• C. Delirium is never hypoactive
• D. Delirium never occurs in the elderly

Answer: (A)

Delirium in hospitalized older adults most often presents as a hypoactive subtype, where reduced alertness, slowed thinking, quietness, and diminished activity are prominent. This form is more common in the elderly than the hyperactive type, which features agitation and restlessness but is less frequent. Delirium can and does occur in older patients, typically triggered by acute illness, medications, infections, dehydration, or metabolic disturbances in the hospital setting. Hypoactive delirium is easy to miss because it can resemble fatigue or depression, so recognizing changes in attention and a fluctuating course is crucial. Therefore, the statement that hypoactive delirium is the most common type is correct, while the others are not.

Delirium in hospitalized older adults most often presents as a hypoactive subtype, where reduced alertness, slowed thinking, quietness, and diminished activity are prominent. This form is more common in the elderly than the hyperactive type, which features agitation and restlessness but is less frequent. Delirium can and does occur in older patients, typically triggered by acute illness, medications, infections, dehydration, or metabolic disturbances in the hospital setting. Hypoactive delirium is easy to miss because it can resemble fatigue or depression, so recognizing changes in attention and a fluctuating course is crucial. Therefore, the statement that hypoactive delirium is the most common type is correct, while the others are not.