Contributed by Benjamin K. I. Helfand, MSc, MD/PhD (candidate), University of Massachusetts Medical School Delirium affects approximately 3 million older Americans annually, accounting for over $164 billion in healthcare expenditures.1 Delirium disproportionately affects our older population (over age 65) with major public health implications. Development of delirium is associated with prolonged hospitalization, cognitive decline, and […]
Tag Archives: NIDUS
Brain Basis of Post-Stroke Delirium
Contributed by Roberta Esteves Vieira de Castro, MD, PhD, Rio de Janeiro State University, D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Latin American Delirium Special Interest Group, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Delirium is a frequent and malignant aggravation succeeding stroke1,2, with an estimated occurrence ranging from 2 to 66%3,4. It may be a direct consequence of […]
Screening for delirium with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Contributed by Sharon K. Inouye, M.D., MPH; Richard N. Jones, ScD; Edward R. Marcantonio, M.D., SM Overview. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was published in 19901 in a highly cited article in the Annals of Internal Medicine as the first brief, standardized method for identification of delirium at the bedside. It provided a standardized rating […]
Improving Delirium Recognition in Long-Term Care Facilities: How to Quickly Detect Altered Mental Status
Contributed by Flavia Barreto Garcez, MD & Thiago J. Avelino-Silva, MD, PhD, Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School Changes in mental status are common in older adults admitted to both acute and long-term care facilities. Although several neuropsychiatric conditions can be responsible for these alterations, delirium is often a key cause.1,2 In […]