Dementia, Delirium and Depression:

What's the Difference

This session will equip nurses with practical strategies to manage challenging workplace interactions, improve communication, and maintain professionalism while protecting their well-being. It will explore the types of difficult behaviours commonly encountered in healthcare settings, from aggressive and passive-aggressive personalities to those resistant to change or prone to negativity. Understanding the root causes of these behaviours, including workplace stressors and personal insecurities, will provide insight into why conflicts arise.
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

In healthcare, recognising the difference between dementia, depression, and delirium is more than just a clinical skill—it’s essential for providing the right care at the right time. These three conditions can present with overlapping symptoms such as confusion, memory impairment, and behavioural changes, making them easy to misdiagnose. However, the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant.

Dementia is a slow and progressive cognitive decline, requiring long-term support and management. Depression can mimic cognitive impairment, yet with the right intervention, it is treatable and reversible. Delirium, on the other hand, is an acute and often urgent medical condition that demands immediate attention. Confusing one for the other can lead to unnecessary distress, inappropriate treatments, and missed opportunities for recovery.

This session will explore the distinct features of each condition, providing practical strategies to improve assessment and clinical decision-making. By strengthening our ability to differentiate between dementia, depression, and delirium, we enhance patient safety, reduce hospital stays, and improve overall quality of life for those in our care.
Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to make a difference—understanding these conditions is not just about knowledge, but about ensuring better outcomes for every patient, every time.

Why this session may be relevant to your work

A large part of my work is with clients over the age of 65 years. I need to be able to understand the difference between these three conditions to ensure timely and effective treatment is provided when available.

Learning Outcomes

In this session, you will:
  • Explore Dementia
  • Investigate depression
  • Review Delirium
  • Discuss the outcome for the older persons if health care providers are unable to distinguish between same

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SUES'S ONLINE COURSES

These courses are more in-depth and skill-based focused.

Sue Walker

RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN

Sue is the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network. Sue is a key contributor to the online education platform Nursing CPD – a Continuing Professional Development platform to assist Nurses in meeting their annual CPD requirements.

As a Registered Nurse, Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, and more...