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,