Approaches to senior care #1. Hip fracture, depression, and cognitive impairment: a follow-up study

Hip fractures in the elderly are accompanied by depression and cognitive impairment--two factors that impact on morbidity, mortality, and rehabilitation. This follow-up study assesses 35 elderly patients at three and six months post-hip fracture after earlier evaluations in the immediate post-fracture period. Mortality is increased in subjects with cognitive impairment at the time of fracture. Rehabilitation, as measured by activities of daily living, is slowed in subjects with combined depression and cognitive impairment. The study alerts physicians to the need for careful mental status evaluation at the time of trauma and surgery.