Delirium in the older emergency department patient: a quiet epidemic.
Delirium is defined as an acute change in cognition that cannot be better accounted for by a preexisting or evolving dementia. This form of organ dysfunction commonly occurs in older patients in the emergency department (ED) and is associated with a multitude of adverse patient outcomes. Consequently, delirium should be routinely screened for in older ED patients. Once delirium is diagnosed, the ED evaluation should focus on searching for the underlying cause. Infection is one of the most common precipitants of delirium, but multiple causes may exist concurrently.
Han
Jin H
JH
Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 703 Oxford House, 1313 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-4700, USA. jin.h.han@vanderbilt.edu
Wilson
Amanda
A
Ely
E Wesley
EW
D000368:Aged; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs