Risk factors

Any condition that results in a hospital stay, especially in intensive care or after surgery, increases the risk of delirium, as does being a resident in a nursing home. Delirium is more common in older adults.

Examples of other conditions that increase the risk of delirium include:

• Brain disorders such as dementia, stroke or Parkinson's disease
• Previous delirium episodes
• Visual or hearing impairment
• The presence of multiple medical problems