The three diagnoses above are commonly mistaken in the elderly. Delirium in particular is often caused by hospital stays, surgeries, dehydration, infections, severe, chronic or terminal illness and more.

A recent study from Harvard Medical School mentions seniors have a 62 percent chance of dying within a year from a hospital stay. The odds are worse for patients who experience delirium in the intensive care unit.

Delirium is one of the top complications at hospitals and may prolong a hospital stay up to 10 days longer. Local hospitals like EvergreenHealth Medical Center currently have an ongoing campaign to reduce delirium.

Another study conducted by The Journal of American Geriatric Society shows that treatment of post-hospital delirium costs $143 to $152 billion per year. This includes a skilled nursing home stay, therapies, home health and caregiver care.

Up to 30-40 percent of delirium could be prevented. On Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m., Aegis Lodge in Kirkland will host local mental health specialist Karen Kent, who will discuss the difference between these three dragons: Dementia, delirium and depression. She will also discuss symptoms, causes and treatments for the diagnoses.

Aegis Lodge is located at 12629 116th Ave. NE , Kirkland.

To RSVP, contact Sandra Cook at (425) 814-2841 or email Sandra.cook@aegisliving.com. The event is free to attend in an effort to educate our local community and give the elderly and their families resources.

Sandra Cook is the marketing director for Aegis Lodge in Kirkland. Contact her at 425-814-2841.