The information stated in this article is all based on what was provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cognitive disorders and delirium are both neuropsychiatric syndromes that are often experienced by patients suffering from cancer and other advanced illnesses. The possibility ranges from 28% to 48% from individuals who have advanced cancer or has been admitted to the hospital. The patients usually undergo delirium hours or days before they die.

The syndrome is often referred to as acute confusional state and in the last days of a patient’s life, terminal restlessness represents delirium. Delirium is usually associated with the dying phase of a person’s life but some episodes are still reversible. There are therapeutic interventions that can reverse delirium or at least provide an improvement.

Moreover, prevention of the syndrome with cancer patients has not been systematically examined yet. But the early identification of the risk factors involved is a big help to lower down the occurrence of delirium episodes.

More on Delirium

This is known as a global cerebral disorder that involves difficulty in attention, focus and cognition. It is also associated with behavioral manifestations.

• The patient finds it difficult to focus which lowers down his or her awareness and attention.
• The patient undergoes disturbances in cognition and perception.
• The patient loses track of reality, like what time it is. There’s a fluctuation over the course of a day.

There are other associated non-core clinical features included such as sleep-wake cycle disturbance, delusion, emotional instability and disturbance in the person’s psychomotor activity which is further subcategorized into three types.

• Hypoactive
• Hyperactive
• Combination of hypoactive and hyperactive features

Furthermore, keep in mind that these facts are based on studies conducted among adult patients. These are supported by evidence and practice that relate to adults as discussed. The evidence and treatments may vary when it comes to dealing with children. The results and information vary greatly and should be studied separately. So if you’re concern is getting more facts about the syndrome for children, you better find a study under its own heading. Better yet, go to a specialist that will be able to discuss it to you face-to-face.