How can delirium be fatal? Understanding the indirect and direct risks
Delirium is associated with a 13% loss of life-years in older adults, signaling a substantial risk of premature death. Understanding **how can delirium be fatal** involves recognizing that it is not the delirium itself that is fatal, but the resulting cascade of serious, and often preventable, medical complications. The syndrome is an emergency and indicates a heightened vulnerability to adverse outcomes, especially in older and already ill individuals.