Samenvatting

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by disturbances of awareness, attention, cognitive functions, and behavior.1 It occurs in the severely ill, often older patients2 and is associated with prolonged hospitalization,3 institutionalization, increased costs, long-term cognitive decline, and mortality.2–4 Recognition of delirium is essential for the treatment of underlying conditions, optimal communication with affected patients and informing family members.5 In the previous decade, several delirium assessment tools have been developed.6 However, validating these instruments can be subject to various methodological issues.