Chapter 3.Delirium
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Excerpt
Delirium, defined as an acute change in attention and overall cognitive function, is a common, morbid, yet potentially preventable medical problem for older persons. Patients age 65 years and older account for almost half (49%) of all days of hospital care, and although delirium is the most frequent complication affecting this population, it often goes unrecognized (Inouye 2006; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2004). Delirium is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, institutionalization, long-term cognitive decline and dementia, and functional decline (Inouye 2006; MacLullich et al. 2009; Saczynski et al. 2012; Witlox et al. 2010). Total health care costs related to delirium are estimated at $45 billion to $181 billion (2013 USD) annually (Leslie et al. 2008).
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