Senile dementia with delirium

This code represents a form of dementia characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, typically occurring in older adults, that is complicated by the acute onset of delirium. Delirium in this context involves disturbances in attention, awareness, and cognition, superimposed on the underlying chronic cognitive impairment.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of senile dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's type, unspecified senile dementia) and an acute, fluctuating confusional state or delirium is also present. Supporting documentation should detail both the chronic cognitive decline and the acute delirious features.

• Do not use this code if the delirium is due to a reversible medical condition or substance intoxication/withdrawal without underlying senile dementia.
• Ensure documentation differentiates between fluctuating cognitive symptoms of dementia and a distinct superimposed delirium.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if the delirium is the primary reason for the encounter, with the specific type of senile dementia as a secondary code if known.