The results of a simple questionnaire put to nurses from various hospital departments concerning their views and experience in treating delirious patients are presented. The answers were mainly schematic, one-sided, and without any attempt to profoundly analyse the problém. Only a few respondents noticed the need for a better understanding of delirious patients and the need for their speciál treatment. Incorporating courses on modern techniques of working with delirious patients into the pre- and postgraduále syllabus will improve the quality of care provided to these patients.

        Key words: deliria, dementia, quality of life in the elderly, nursing of delirious patients