Which population is considered most at risk for developing delirium?

The elderly and those on mechanical ventilation are considered the most at risk for developing delirium due to a combination of factors. In elderly populations, there are age-related physiological changes, potential cognitive decline, and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors which can contribute to the onset of delirium.

Additionally, patients who are on mechanical ventilation are often critically ill, which may predispose them to factors such as prolonged sedation, the effects of intubation, and the psychological stress associated with being in an intensive care setting. These factors can lead to disruptions in normal cognitive function, resulting in confusion, altered level of consciousness, and other symptoms characteristic of delirium.

While other groups, such as children and adolescents or individuals recovering from surgery, can also experience delirium, the combination of advanced age and critical illness in mechanical ventilation creates a particularly high-risk situation, making the elderly and mechanically ventilated patients the most vulnerable population for this condition.