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Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods doubles post-op delirium risk for older adults

A recent study by researchers from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research found that older adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are two times more likely to experience delirium after surgery. Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute decline in cognition, which can present as inattention, disorien...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 31, 2020

Family members can assist in preventing post-operative delirium by as much as 16.8%

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adapting the Hospital Elder Life Program for non-volunteers and family members can effectively prevent post-operative delirium. The tailored intervention reduced delirium occurrence by 19.4% compared to usual care, with greater functional and cognitive recovery afterwards.

Melatonin may not help prevent delirium after heart surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that melatonin treatment did not reduce the risk of developing delirium following heart surgery. The study included 210 adults and showed a similar proportion of participants experienced severe episodes of delirium in both the melatonin and placebo groups.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 9, 2019

Physical and mental exercise lower chances for developing delirium after surgery

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who engage in regular physical activity and mental stimulation before surgery have a lower risk of developing postoperative delirium. Participants who were physically active six to seven days a week had a 73% lower chance of experiencing deliriu...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 14, 2019

New Regenstrief studies report drug focused approach insufficient to manage ICU delirium

Recent clinical trials conducted by the Regenstrief Institute found that traditional drug-focused approaches are ineffective in managing delirium in ICU patients. Implementing deprescribing strategies and exploring alternative methods, such as waking and mobilization, may be more effective in reducing delirium severity and duration.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 5, 2019

E. coli infection induces delirium in aging rats

Research reveals that E. coli infection can induce delirium in aging rats by reducing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for long-term memory formation. The study suggests that immune system activation, such as after surgery or infection, may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 29, 2018

Patients and families who experience delirium report more distress than those who do not

Researchers found that delirium episodes cause distress for both patients and their families, with severity playing a role in emotional pain. The Delirium Burden questionnaire provides a reliable tool to measure this experience, potentially aiding future clinical trials in finding solutions.

Sedative may prevent delirium in the ICU

Researchers found that a low dose of dexmedetomidine at night significantly reduced the incidence of delirium and prolonged free periods without delirium in ICU patients. Additionally, patients receiving dexmedetomidine were less likely to experience severe pain if they were in pain, but sleep quality showed no significant improvement.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 2, 2018

Latest palliative care findings on caregiver depression, LGBT partners, moral distress

A recent study on hospital palliative care reveals high rates of caregiver depression and significant moral distress among resident physicians. The research also explores the challenges faced by LGBT individuals who have lost a partner, including homophobia and additional legal and financial issues. Effective interventions, such as adv...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2018

Research finds increased risk of dementia in patients who experience delirium after surgery

A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 27, 2017

Difficulties diagnosing delirium in older adults after surgery

A recent study found that a significant number of older adults with delirium were not diagnosed by healthcare professionals. The researchers concluded that developing more objective screening tools could improve diagnosis accuracy. Understanding delirium is crucial to recognize and address the condition in older adults and caregivers.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 6, 2017

Men experience greater cognitive impairment and short-term death following hip surgery

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that men are more susceptible to cognitive impairment following hip surgery. Cognitive limitations significantly increase the risk of dying within six months for both men and women, with men being up to five times more likely to die than unimpaired women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 8, 2017