If the brain energy theory is correct, people with delirium should have more widespread or severe mitochondrial dysfunction than people without delirium. The “mental” symptoms are giving us a warning sign. If this is true, more widespread and severe mitochondrial dysfunction should mean a whole host of things. It should mean that people with delirium will be more likely to develop a mental disorder, dementia, or a seizure. It should also mean they will be more likely to die. Are any of these things true? It turns out they all are.
