Delirium vs. Sundowning — What's the Difference?

Delirium, also known as acute confusional state, is an organically caused decline from a previous baseline mental functioning, that develops over a short period of time, typically hours to days. Delirium is a syndrome encompassing disturbances in attention, consciousness, and cognition.

Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, is a neurological phenomenon associated with increased confusion and restlessness in people with delirium or some form of dementia. It is most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease but also found in those with other forms of dementia.

A temporary state of mental confusion and fluctuating consciousness resulting from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. It is characterized by anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and incoherent speech.

A state of disorientation and agitation that sometimes occurs in the late afternoon or evening in people with dementia.

A state of uncontrolled excitement or emotion

A state of agitation, confusion, or delirium, especially in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which begins daily at nightfall and which is alleviated by daylight.

(symptom) A temporary mental state with a sudden onset, usually reversible, including symptoms of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations. Causes can include dehydration, drug intoxication, and severe infection.

Present participle of sundown

Wild, frenzied excitement or ecstasy.

A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, - usually dependent on a fever or some other disease, and so distinguished from mania, or madness.

Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm; madness.

State of violent mental agitation

A usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations