Delirium is a common syndrome affecting many elderly
patients not only admitted into acute medical wards but also in the
community. The syndrome of delirium can be defined as acute brain
failure associated with autonomic dysfunction, motor dysfunction
and homeostatic failure. It is complex and often multi-factorial, and
hence continues to be under diagnosed and poorly managed. Despite
medical progress, delirium remains a major challenge for health care
workers with the increasing burden of an ageing population.