Mr. Smith (age 72) is brought to the hospital emergency room. His son explains that his father woke up this morning and was "not himself." Mr. Smith appears confused, agitated, and a bit frightened. He does not know his own name and cannot recognize his son. Mr. Smith's son reports that his father had been completely fine with no symptoms prior to that morning. Mr. Smith appears to be suffering from .

Question

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The sudden onset of confusion, agitation, and fear, along with the inability to recognize his son, suggest that Mr. Smith is experiencing delirium. Neurocognitive disorders due to Lewy Body disease and Alzheimer's disease generally have a gradual onset and progressive decline in cognitive functioning. Amnestic disorder is characterized by memory impairment, but Mr. Smith is experiencing more than just memory problems.

Mr Smith (Age 72) Is Brought to the Hospital Emergency