Association between leptin and delirium in elderly inpatients
Julio C Sánchez1, Jenny P Ospina, Martha I González
1Cell and Applied Physiology Group, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
|May 30, 2013
Summary
Low leptin levels are associated with delirium in elderly Colombians. This finding suggests that leptin may play a role in delirium development and that low leptin could serve as a risk biomarker in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Leptin, a hormone, influences brain function at cellular and cognitive levels.
- Delirium is a common condition in the elderly, characterized by acute cognitive impairment.
- Understanding factors associated with delirium is crucial for improving geriatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between leptin levels and delirium in a Colombian elderly population.
- To explore potential clinical biomarkers for delirium risk in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 115 Colombian patients over 60 years old.
- Leptin levels measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after fasting.
- Cognitive function assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).
Main Results:
- Delirium was diagnosed in 23.48% of patients, more prevalent in men.
- Patients with delirium had higher rates of cerebrovascular diagnoses, comorbidities, and medications.
- Significantly lower leptin levels were observed in patients with delirium, negatively correlating with diagnoses and medication counts.
Conclusions:
- Leptin levels may be implicated in the pathophysiology of delirium.
- Lower leptin levels could serve as a potential clinical biomarker for identifying delirium risk in elderly individuals.
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