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Review
. 2020 May;36(2):183-199.
doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2019.11.001.

Delirium in the Elderly

Tammy T Hshieh  1 , Sharon K Inouye  2 , Esther S Oh  3
Affiliations
Review

Delirium in the Elderly

Tammy T Hshieh et al. Clin Geriatr Med. 2020 May.

Abstract

Delirium is defined as an acute disturbance in attention and cognition, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the basic epidemiology of delirium and approaches to diagnosing, assessing, and working up patients for delirium. It delineates the pathophysiology and underlying predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium. It also discusses recent advances in prevention and treatment, particularly multicomponent, nonpharmacological interventions.

Keywords: Cognitive decline; Delirium; Delirium prevention; Dementia; Nonpharmacological interventions.

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