The major characteristic that differentiates between delirium and dementia of Alzheimer’s type (DAT) is:

A steadily progressive, gradual decline in cognition without extended plateaus in dementia of Alzheimer’s type.

A steadily progressive, gradual decline in cognition without extended plateaus in delirium.

Dementia of Alzheimer’s type (DAT) is often associated with a disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle.

The majority of people with dementia experience a full recovery with or without treatment.