Delirium Memes

Eight previously published memes about delirium recognition, care and communication.

Meme showing two portraits of Samuel Johnson. Text describes an older person with new confusion being treated for presumed UTI without a 4AT, medicines review, retention check or delirium diagnosis. — **Looking beyond a urine dipstick**Do not use urine dipsticks to diagnose or exclude urinary tract infection in adults over 65. Assess symptoms, signs and other possible causes, and follow current guidance.
Open full-size image

Four-panel meme. One person says, He seems very quiet today. Another replies, He is probably just tired. The first person looks concerned and asks, Right? — **Quiet can be delirium**Hypoactive delirium can be mistaken for tiredness. A new reduction in alertness or activity needs assessment.
Open full-size image

Two-panel meme showing a man smiling and then looking serious. Text contrasts recording a positive 4AT score with failing to record delirium or take action. — **Acting on a positive 4AT**A positive 4AT result needs clinical assessment and appropriate care.
Open full-size image

Meme. A tired-looking man stands outside. Text reads: Sedating a delirious patient. Finding the pelvic fracture 2 days later. — **Sedation and a missed pelvic fracture**Sedation can obscure important causes of distress or agitation. Investigate and treat underlying contributors.
Open full-size image

Meme showing an older man lowering his glasses. Text reads: Wondering why you wrote new confusion instead of delirium. — **Recording the diagnosis**Record delirium clearly when clinical assessment supports the diagnosis, so that staff can plan continuing care and follow-up.
Open full-size image

Meme showing a skeleton sitting on a bench. Text reads: Hippocrates on delirium: bad and deadly. Waiting for modern healthcare to get it. — **Bad and deadly**Delirium has been recognised for centuries. A person with delirium still needs prompt assessment and care. The wording is satire, not a verified quotation from Hippocrates.
Open full-size image

Meme showing Boromir from The Lord of the Rings. Text reads: One does not simply call it confusion and give antibiotics for a presumed UTI. — **Confusion is not a diagnosis**Assess the person for delirium and its possible causes before assuming that you know the explanation.
Open full-size image

Four-panel expanding-brain meme. It progresses from dementia charities ignoring delirium, to mentioning delirium, to providing delirium resources for caregivers, and finally advocating for better delirium care. — **Dementia charities and delirium**Including delirium information and advocacy in dementia services can support people with dementia and their carers.
Open full-size image

These eight memes were previously published in social media posts or in the World Delirium Awareness Day collection. This collection is separate from the Delirium Academy modules.