Sorting out the 3 D's: delirium, dementia, depression: learn how to sift through overlapping signs and symptoms so you can help improve an older patient's quality of life.

Because of the overlapping signs and symptoms of dementia and depression, a patient who doesn't respond to therapy for depression will be evaluated for dementia. Knowing the subtle differences between the 3 D's--delirium, dementia, and depression--will help you support your patient with appropriate nursing interventions and medications.