Delirium and Dementia.

Approximately 35% to 37% of older emergency department (ED) patients will have delirium or dementia, which can negatively affect safe and appropriate clinical care. This article describes the epidemiology of delirium and dementia in the ED and how it affects clinical care and patient outcomes. Screening for delirium and dementia in the context of the busy ED environment, as well as their diagnostic evaluation and management, is discussed.