Delirium in newly admitted elderly patients: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Delirium is a common yet often unrecognized condition in acutely ill elderly patients.
• Early identification and management of delirium are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, associated conditions, and outcomes of delirium in elderly patients admitted with acute illness.
• To evaluate the utility of the abbreviated mental test (AMT) for screening and monitoring delirium.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive series of 184 elderly patients admitted with acute illness were assessed.
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version 3 (revised) criteria were used for delirium diagnosis.
• The abbreviated mental test (AMT) was employed for screening and serial assessment.

Main Results:

• Forty elderly subjects (22%) met criteria for delirium.
• The AMT demonstrated high sensitivity (92%) for screening delirium on admission.
• Infection and stroke were the most common associated conditions; delirium was linked to poorer pre-existing health, higher mortality, and increased transfer to long-stay care.

Conclusions:

• The abbreviated mental test is a sensitive tool for detecting delirium in acutely ill elderly patients.
• Serial AMT use can aid in distinguishing delirious patients and may be valuable in clinical and research settings.
• Prompt screening and repeated assessment with the AMT are recommended for all acutely ill elderly individuals to facilitate delirium detection.