The causes of dementia are divided into two categories. Firstly, there are the reversible causes of dementia or those that can be treated or reversed. Examples of these are; metabolic disturbances, circulatory problems, sensory deprivation or overload, dehydration and infections. The second causes of dementia are the irreversible types. These are diseases such as Alzheimer Disease, Korsakoff�s syndrome or Pick�s Disease. They result in deterioration of brain function and significantly shorten ones life span.

The two most common causes of delirium in the elderly are �Bugs and Drugs� (Fraser, 1995). The name �bugs� refers to infections such as; pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Conversely, the expression �drugs� includes medications and their side-effects. Other causes of delirium could be constipation, pain, unfamiliar environment or metabolic disturbances.

There is no cure for irreversible dementia at this point in time. Researchers are working hard to find cures for these devastating diseases. Management of the symptoms is the health professionals� only option. Environmental changes, medication, alternative therapies ,and staff education are some of the techniques being utilized by caregivers.

However, in the vast majority of delirium cases, the illness causing the person to be acutely confused is treatable. The more rapidly the delirium is recognized and the underlying cause determined and treated, the better the chances that the person suffering with the delirium will return to their previous level of functioning.