The CAM instrument assesses the presence, severity, and fluctuation of 9 delirium features: acute onset, inattention, disorganized thinking, altered level of consciousness, disorientation, memory impairment, perceptual disturbances, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and altered sleep-wake cycle. The CAM diagnostic algorithm is based on four cardinal features of delirium: 1) acute onset and fluctuating course, 2) inattention, 3) disorganized thinking, and 4) altered level of consciousness. A diagnosis of delirium according to the CAM requires the presence of features 1, 2, and either 3 or 4.

Publication reference : Wei LA et al. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM): A Systematic Review of Current Usage. J Am Geriatr Soc 2008; 56(5): 823–830
Reference URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585541/