Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
24.0K
Does Delirium Phenomenology in Persons with Advanced Cancer Follow a Specific Pattern?
Maria Caterina Pallotti1,2, Jesus Lopez-Fidalgo3, Carlos Centeno3,4,5
1Seràgnoli Hospice Foundation, Bentivoglio, Italy.
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|April 16, 2021
Summary
Delirium phenomenology in advanced cancer patients often presents with cognitive symptoms like disorientation and memory issues. Early recognition of these patterns is key for timely diagnosis and improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Delirium phenomenology (DP) recognition is crucial for early diagnosis and improved quality of life in advanced cancer patients.
- Understanding the neurobehavioral and cognitive patterns of delirium is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific neurobehavioral and cognitive patterns associated with delirium in advanced cancer patients.
- To analyze the presentation and evolution of delirium phenomenology using a standardized assessment scale.
Main Methods:
- An observational, comparative, prospective study was conducted.
- The Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) was used to assess delirium phenomenology.
- 227 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled across different palliative care settings.
Main Results:
- Cognitive symptoms, including disorientation and memory impairment, were prevalent in patients with delirium.
- These cognitive deficits were also observed, though to a lesser extent, in patients without delirium, suggesting they may be early indicators.
- Delirium resolved in 22 patients, with significant improvement in MDAS scores (10.08 to 3.6, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-related symptoms are the most prevalent and appear to be the earliest signs of delirium phenomenology in advanced cancer patients.
- Early identification of these cognitive changes can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of delirium.
- Further research into the specific cognitive profiles of delirium in this population is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
275
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
275
01:30Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
260
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes...
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes...
260
01:26Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
205
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that significantly impact cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation. Among these, the positive symptoms stand out as they involve the addition or exaggeration of normal mental functions, deviating markedly from typical behavior and perception. Hallucinations and delusions are prominent positive symptoms, each profoundly affecting the individual's experience of reality.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
205
01:21Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
568
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross significantly advanced psychology's understanding of the process of dying with her influential book, On Death and Dying (1969). She focused on studying terminally ill individuals and outlined five stages commonly experienced when coping with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
568
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
1.5K
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.5K
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.0K