Patient Presentation of Dementia, Delirium, and Depression
Patient Presentation of Dementia, Delirium, and Depression

With the prevalence of dementia, delirium, and depression in the growing geriatric population, you will likely care for elderly patients with these disorders.

While many symptoms of dementia, delirium, and depression are similar, it is important that you are able to identify those that are different and properly diagnose patients.

A diagnosis of one of these disorders is often difficult for patients and their families.

In your role as the advanced practice nurse, you must help patients and their families manage the disorder by facilitating necessary treatments, assessments, and follow-up care.

Consider the patient presentations in the following case studies.

What distinct symptoms or factors would lead you to a diagnosis of dementia, delirium, or depression?

Consider the following case studies:

Case Study 1:

Mrs. Mayfield is a 75-year-old woman who is brought to the emergency room by the police at 11 p.m. She was found wandering and confused in a local neighborhood. The police were called when Mrs. Mayfield tried to use her key on a neighbor’s door. When confronted by the police she became abusive, confused, and frightened and looked very pale and agitated. The police could not establish her correct aIDress and they subsequently brought her to the emergency room. During the examination, it takes several attempts to gain Mrs. Mayfield’s attention to answer any questions at all, but once focused on the question, she rambles on in a disorganized way. Her speech is sometimes incoherent; at times she becomes drowsy and falls asleep. Once awake she seems to be talking about things that are in the room with her, but is unable to describe where she is or where she lives. Her pulse is 96 and regular and her blood pressure is 150/90. Axillary temperature is 99°F. She is at times agitated and at other times quiet and withdrawn. Examination reveals no focal neurological signs, but she is only intermittently cooperative, and her mental status fluctuates. She appears clean, well nourished, and not self-neglected. There is no sign of injury and no sign that she has fallen.

Case Study 2:

Mrs. White, a 78-year-old married woman, is brought to the office of her primary care provider by her husband because she has become “irritable and forgetful†over the past 3 months. Mr. White claims that his wife has had problems for several years now, but has just gotten “worse in her memory†in the past few months. She recently misplaced her purse and accused her son of stealing it. On three occasions, she left the stove on and boiled a pot dry, nearly causing a fire. She recently put a container of ice cream into the washing machine instead of into the freezer and her husband did not discover it for more than a week. Mrs. White claims her family wants to take her money and leave her with nothing. “No matter what they say, there is nothing wrong with me,†she states. Her past medical history includes hypothyroidism, treated with Synthroid, and successful treatment of breast cancer approximately 15 years prior. She also takes over-the-counter ibuprofen for chronic low back pain and occasional Benadryl to help her sleep at night. Her physical examination is within normal limits.

Case Study 3:

Mr. George is a 72-year-old male who has lived alone since his wife died approximately 1 year ago. He has lived in the same house for 45 years. He is brought in by his son who is concerned that his father has lost more than 35 pounds over the past year. Mr. George admits to not eating well because “I don’t know how to cook for myself.†He has been in good health with the exception of hypertension, which is well controlled. He spends most of his time watching sports on television. He occasionally drinks one or two cans of beer when he is watching TV. He does go to his son’s house to visit with his grandchildren about once a week, and he says he enjoys that. He does not receive any social services, he still drives but only in the daytime, and he does not participate in any other leisure activities. His physical examination is normal. He responds correctly to questions, although he appears to have a flat affect.

To prepare:

Review Chapters 6–8 of the Holroyd-Leduc and ReIDy text.

Select one of the three case studies.

Reflect on the way the patient presented in the case study you selected including whether the patient might be presenting with dementia, delirium, or depression.

Think about how you would further evaluate the patient based on medical history, current drug treatments, and the patient’s presentation. Consider whether you would modify drug treatments, use aIDitional assessment tools, and/or refer the patient to a specialist.

Discuss whether you suspect the patient in the case study you selected is presenting with dementia, delirium, or depression and why. Then, explain how you would further evaluate the patient in the case study based on medical history, current drug treatments, and the way the patient presented.

Include whether you would modify drug treatments, use aIDitional assessment tools, and/or refer the patient to a specialist.

Readings

Flaherty, E., & Resnick, B. (Eds.). (2011). Geriatric nursing review syllabus: A core curriculum in advanced practice geriatric nursing (3rd ed.). New York, NY: American Geriatrics Society.
Chapter 32, “Dementia†(pp. 245–255)

This chapter examines the epidemiology and societal impact of dementia. It also presents guidelines for assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing dementia in aIDition to providing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options.
Chapter 33, “Behavioral Problems in Dementia†(pp. 256–264)

This chapter explores clinical features of behavioral and psychologic symptoms related to dementia, as well as guidelines for assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment. It also examines treatment for mood disturbances, manic-like behaviors, delusions and hallucinations, disturbances of sleep, hypersexuality, and intermittent aggression or agitation.
Chapter 34, “Delirium†(pp. 264–272)

This chapter explores the spectrum of delirium including the incidence and prognosis, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for delirium. It also presents guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with delirium, including pharmacologic therapy and drugs to reduce or eliminate as part of delirium management.
Chapter 37, “Depression and Other Mood Disorders†(pp. 295–306)

This chapter explores treatment strategies for depression and other mood disorders affecting older adults. It examines types of pharmacotherapy, antidepressants, as well as other treatment options such as electroconvulsive therapy and psychosocial interventions.
Holroyd-Leduc, J., & ReIDy, M. (Eds.). (2012). Evidence-based geriatric medicine: A practical clinical guide. Hoboken, NJ: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Chapter 6, “Clarifying confusion: preventing and managing delirium†(pp. 65–72)

This chapter examines strategies for screening, prevention, and management of delirium among older adults in hospital settings.
Chapter 7, “Preserving the memories: managing dementia†(pp. 73–93)

This chapter examines dementia risk factors and screening tools for dementia. It also presents strategies for managing patients with dementia, focusing on pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments.
Chapter 8, “Enjoying the golden years: diagnosing and treating depression†(pp. 94–104)

This chapter defines depression and identifies causes and risk factors that make older adults more susceptible to depression. It also examines treatment options for managing older adults with depression.

<span style="color: #ff0000;