Author Description

Delirium is a complex syndrome with a multifactorial aetiology and it is characterized by marked disturbances of consciousness, attention, memory, perception, thought, sleep-wake cycle, and by fluctuation of symptoms. Its assessment and management must be individualised based on both a biomedical understanding of the disease and its comorbidities, and an understanding of prognosis, risks and benefits of treatment. Every intervention must be informed by a critical understanding of the changng goals of care. These complexities are all explored in this book.This book outlines the historical basis of delirium, provides a clear clinical definition of the syndrome, discusses the pathophysiology, reviews the assessment techniques and examines the opportunities for management. It aims to provide palliative care physicians and specialist nurses, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals treating terminally ill patients with a clear account of how to recognise and deal with the syndrome.