Polypharmacy-Related Delirium in Advanced Cancer: Balancing Pain Control and Safety

Delirium is a common, fluctuating disturbance of attention and cognition in older adults, especially those with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Triggers include sedating or anticholinergic medications, hypoxia, infection, and environmental stressors. In palliative care, symptom relief must be balanced with minimizing deliriogenic medications. Close coordination between caregivers and interdisciplinary teams supports early recognition of cognitive changes and safe medication adjustments.