Predisposing risk factors in adults

Predisposing risk factors for delirium include:

  • age 65 years or older1
  • cognitive impairment including dementia (in some cases, dementia may not have been recognised and delirium may be the first indication of a cognitive disorder)
  • problem alcohol use
  • auditory or visual impairments
  • multiple comorbidities (especially if severe)
  • a previous episode of delirium
  • depression.
1 The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) Delirium Clinical Care Standard considers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 45 years or older to also be at risk of delirium.Return