Neurológia pre prax 5/2011

Delirium in geriatric patients

Delirium is a syndrome which, in geriatric patients, may lead to a significant functional impairment or even death. It is an acute, lifethreatening condition which occurs in elderly patients, particularly those in hospital. An elderly patient is extremely fragile and there is a high risk of delirium in patients with dementia, followed by those generally compromised, with the presence of an infection, or in postoperative states. It has been reported that up to 20% of all hospitalized patients over 65 years of age may develop complications during hospitalization as a result of delirium. A number of factors are involved in the development of delirium, the identification of which may often allow a causal therapeutic intervention. The present article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of delirium in the elderly as well as an overview of the diagnostic options and the treatment of the delirium syndrome in these patients.

Keywords: delirium, dementia, depression, anticholinergics.