Common Differentials: the DDD CHART

Feature

Dementia

Delirium

Depression

Onset

Gradual

Abrupt (hours to weeks)

 

 

Either

Prognosis

 

Irreversible

Reversible

Variable

Course

 

Progressive

Worse in p.m.

Worse in a.m.

Attention

 

Normal

Impaired

Variable

Memory

Impaired recent and remote

Impaired recent and immediate

 

 

Selective impairment

Perception

 

Normal

Impaired

Normal

Psychomotor behaviour

Normal  

 

Very active / Unusually quiet and still

 

 

Retardation / agitation

From: Resnick.B. Restorative Care Nursing for Older Adults: A Guide for All Care, 2004,