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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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Cognitive Decline in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Sara Escriche-Martinez1, Unai Diaz-Orueta2, Carlos Gala-Serra3
1Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain.
Summary
Hospitalized older adults frequently experience cognitive decline. This review highlights wide prevalence (10-85%) and varied assessment methods, emphasizing the need for standardized screening protocols for better detection.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Hospitalization poses a significant risk for cognitive decline in older adults, even those without prior conditions.
- Prevalence of undiagnosed cognitive decline can reach up to 30% in hospitalized elderly individuals.
- Age is a known factor, but severity of illness and length of stay also contribute to cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the prevalence of cognitive decline in hospitalized older adults.
- To identify common assessment methods and tools used for in-hospital cognitive evaluation.
- To determine factors associated with cognitive decline in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Inclusion of studies published between January 2018 and March 2025, focusing on individuals aged 65+.
- Narrative synthesis of 30 studies using cognitive assessments like Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Main Results:
- Prevalence of cognitive impairment varied widely, from 10% to 85%, influenced by assessment tools and patient characteristics.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were the most common screening tools.
- Associated factors included advanced age, comorbidities, frailty, and pre-existing cognitive issues.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in the assessment and reporting of cognitive decline among hospitalized older adults.
- Current methodologies limit cross-study comparability and clinical relevance.
- Standardized screening protocols and improved methodological consistency are crucial for accurate detection and management.
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