Recognize the great variability that exists in this process. Look for phases to overlap, and expect periodic regression to earlier phases as part of the process. A Life Cycle Perspective Attachment Theory is a good framework for understanding the concept of loss. Next comes separations from significant others. This is material that we will cover later in the semester but is relevant to today's topic so I have also posted it here.
Neurologists often call it acute confusional state.
Although the brain can be directly involved, the cause of delirium is usually a disease process that begins outside the central nervous system. Common in many major surgeries. Any impairment in the ability to focus or shift attention is not prominent. Although patients occasionally recover from dementia, this is not usual. Alzheimer's type represents more than half of all dementia's, gradual onset.