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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Evaluation of delirium in elderly: a hospital-based study
Vishal Khurana1, Indrajeet Singh Gambhir, Dhiraj Kishore
1Departments of Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. vishdoc24@gmail.com
Geriatrics & Gerontology International
|May 20, 2011
Summary
Delirium in hospitalized elderly is often multifactorial, with sepsis and metabolic issues being common causes. Thorough evaluation and treatment lead to favorable outcomes in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Delirium is a common and serious condition in hospitalized elderly patients.
- Understanding its prevalence, causes, and outcomes is crucial for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, etiologies, clinical profile, and outcomes of delirium in elderly patients admitted to medicine wards.
- To identify the most common causes and contributing factors of delirium in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study of 400 elderly patients (over 60 years) admitted with delirium.
- Utilized the Hindi version of the Mini-Mental State Examination for cognitive assessment.
- Employed the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for delirium diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of hypoactive delirium (65%) was higher than hyperactive (25%) or mixed (10%).
- Sepsis and metabolic abnormalities were the most frequent etiologies, with 70% of patients having multiple causes.
- Mortality rate was 14.75%, while 83% of patients experienced a favorable recovery.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis and metabolic abnormalities are primary drivers of delirium in hospitalized elderly individuals.
- The multifactorial nature of delirium necessitates comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
- Most identified causes of delirium are treatable, leading to a high recovery rate.
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