Abstract
• Delirium is a common, preventable condition seen in hospitalized elderly patients.
• Delirium has multiple causes and is usually associated with predisposing factors (visual impairment, alcohol abuse, severe illness) and precipitating factors (immobility, isolation, poor nutrition).
• Health care professionals do not engage in routine assessment of delirium in hospitalized patients.
• Successful management of hospital-acquired delirium is best accomplished using a combination of prevention techniques and early treatment with the onset of symptoms.