Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cognitive reserve may help protect against delirium

A new study suggests that higher late-life cognitive reserve is linked to lower incidence and severity of delirium in older surgical patients. Participating in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, singing, or playing computer games may help protect against delirium.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 22, 2016

Antipsychotic medications may be ineffective for treating or preventing delirium

Researchers analyzed data from 19 studies on hospitalized patients and found that antipsychotic medications did not reduce new cases of delirium. The study suggests that these medications may not affect the duration or severity of delirium, and more research is needed to understand their effectiveness in treating delirium.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 2016

Antipsychotic drugs may not be effective against delirium

A recent review of medical literature found no significant effect of antipsychotics on delirium incidence, duration, or mortality. The study analyzed data from 19 studies and concluded that there is no compelling signal to support routine use of antipsychotic medications for delirium prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Injuries and other health concerns are more common in older people after certain cancer surgeries

A UCLA study reveals that cancer surgery significantly increases the risk of injuries and age-related health issues in older patients, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of death. The study highlights the importance of discussing potential events with doctors before surgery.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2016

New method could help nurses spot delirium quickly

Researchers have developed a two-item bedside test for detecting delirium, which takes an average of 36 seconds to perform and has a sensitivity of 93 percent. The test uses simple questions to assess cognitive function and can help doctors catch the condition earlier.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Postoperative delirium results in poor outcomes in older adults

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that postoperative delirium significantly increases adverse outcomes in older adults, including prolonged hospital stays and institutional discharge. Delirium alone exerts the highest risk of adverse outcomes at the population level compared to other major surgical complications.

Review of nonmedicinal interventions for delirium in older patients

A meta-analysis of multicomponent nonpharmacological interventions found significant reductions in delirium incidence and falls among hospitalized older patients. These strategies also trended toward decreases in length of hospital stay and institutionalization, suggesting a potential cost savings of over $16 billion annually.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2015

Melatonin does not reduce delirium in elderly patients having acute hip surgery

A randomized controlled trial found that melatonin supplementation had no effect on reducing delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. The study suggests that melatonin may not be effective in preventing postoperative delirium, and further research is needed to compare its effects with antipsychotics.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 2, 2014

Boston-area researchers develop new delirium severity measure for older adults

Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.

Regenstrief and IU review finds lack of delirium screening in the emergency department

Delirium in older patients is frequently overlooked due to the lack of screening tools in emergency departments. The condition can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers call for the development of emergency department-specific screening instruments to improve ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 14, 2014

Regenstrief and IU investigators identify first biomarker linked to delirium duration

A novel role for S100β has been identified as a biomarker for delirium duration in critically ill patients, which may have implications for refining treatment in intensive care units. Delirium duration is associated with increased mortality rates, and higher levels of S100β on day 1 or day 8 are linked to longer delirium duration.

SourceIndiana University·JournalInternational Journal of General Medicine·DateDec 16, 2013

High rate of early delirium after surgery in older adults

A study found that nearly half of older adults undergoing surgery with general anesthesia developed delirium in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), with 45% of patients experiencing delirium. Delirium is linked to decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of nursing home admission. The study suggests that even brief episodes ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 24, 2013

Hebrew SeniorLife links delirium and long-term cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients

Patients with Alzheimer's who suffered delirium episodes had a sharply increased rate of mental decline for up to five years after hospitalization compared to those without episodes. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and preventing delirium, which is estimated to cost the healthcare system billions annually.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 19, 2012, online issue

A recent study found that Alzheimer's patients who undergo hospitalization are at risk for complications such as delirium, loss of independence, and death. Researchers also highlighted the risks associated with Flavocoxid, a medical food used to treat osteoarthritis, which can cause liver injury in some patients. Additionally, screenin...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 2012