title: Changes in mental status.
abstract: Change in mental status is a common symptom in the older, hospitalized patient. Often referred to as delirium, it may be the first indication of a serious medical condition. If delirium is not identified and treated promptly, it may lead to severe complications. The podiatric physician can prevent many cases of delirium by maintaining a high level of suspicion, performing a thorough clinical assessment, and identifying older patients at risk in the hospital setting.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown Medical School, 111 Brewster St, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
authors.forename: Alicia J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Curtin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D011032:Podiatry / Q000379:methods*