6. Vulnerable Demographics: Age and Delirium Go Hand-in-Hand
Delirium can strike anyone, but it doesn’t distribute its risks equally across the population. Those most vulnerable are often the oldest and youngest among us. While it’s commonly associated with older adults, a surprising cohort that faces elevated risks includes children, particularly those in intensive care units.
Among older adults, the risk is most pronounced. Why? One reason is that older brains have less “cognitive reserve.” This means they are less able to adapt to new challenges or stresses, making them more susceptible to delirium. Interestingly, while age predisposes one to delirium, it’s often not a standalone factor; it usually acts in concert with other variables such as underlying health conditions or medication use.
For children, especially those hospitalized, the story is a bit different. The very factors that should make a hospital stay safer—constant monitoring, medication—can sometimes contribute to delirium. This adds another layer of complexity to patient care, as what might be a life-saving intervention for one could trigger a delirium episode in another.
Both ends of the age spectrum share a feature: a greater likelihood of underdiagnosis. In older adults, delirium might be brushed off as age-related cognitive decline, while in children, it may be mistaken for general irritability or fear due to hospitalization. (6)
