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Neurocognitive

Delirium (acute confusional state)

Sudden and fluctuating alteration of attention and awareness, with disorientation, caused by a medical condition, infection, drugs or substances. It's a medical emergency.

Common signs

Confusion that comes on over hours or daysWorse in the afternoon or at nightDrowsiness or agitation

Tips

For you

  1. Seek urgent medical attention
  2. Reorient calmly: date, place, people
  3. Daylight during the day and rest at night

For family and friends

  1. Speak slowly and reorient them: date, place, who you are
  2. Glasses, hearing aids and daylight during the day

When to ask for help

  1. It always needs urgent medical attention
  2. Especially in older people or after an operation

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Is suddenly confused
2. Doesn't really know where they are or what day it is
3. Finds it hard to pay attention
4. Their state changes during the day
5. Is more agitated at night
6. Sees or hears things that aren't there
7. Has a fever, an infection or has changed medication
8. Is very drowsy or very restless

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveCEAFA: Spanish Alzheimer's ConfederationFree external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Major neurocognitive disorder (dementia)NeurocognitiveMild neurocognitive disorder (mild cognitive decline)Neurocognitive

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.