Martha Nelson, 89 years old, has become increasingly confused over the past year. Her daughter reports that the confusion seems to be increasing steadily. What is the most likely source of Mrs. Nelson's confusion?
a. Depression
b. Delirium
c. Dementia
d. Normal aging
C
Response C is the best answer because the confusion has been noted to increase over a period of time, and that is characteristic of dementia. Responses A and B are not the best answers because confusion is not the primary symptom of depression, and the confusion related to delirium is characterized by a rapid onset and the presence of a reversible cause. Response D is incorrect. Although Mrs. Nelson is quite old, confusion is not a symptom of normal aging.
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