NCLEX-RN

Answer: B - Delirium and dementia commonly occur together in the elderly but they are two separate disorders. Dementia is characterized by gradual decline of mental or cognitive functions, which are usually irreversible with treatment, and normal level of consciousness during the earlier stages. On the other hand, delirium is characterized by abrupt decline of cognitive functions, such as difficulty in maintaining attention and language disturbance. The symptoms of delirium are often reversible by treatment.