5th June 2023

Risk factors for delirium

Delirium is more common in older patients with pre-existing dementia, and NICE defines high-risk patient groups as:

• Age 65 years or older
• Cognitive impairment (and/or dementia)
• Current hip fracture
• Severe illness (an illness which is deteriorating or at risk of deteriorating)

Some factors make an individual more susceptible to developing delirium, such as pre-existing dementia, depression, visual or hearing impairment, a history of alcohol excess or previous episodes of delirium.