Delirium in the elderly patient

Abstract

Objective: Literature review and update on clinical and epidemiological features of delirium in elderly patients.

Data Source: Papers and review articles from indexed medical journals of the last twelve years were consulted. The databases included were: Cochrane, EBSCO, Electronic Journal Service, Lilacs, Medconsult, Medline, NLM, Ovid, Proquest, Scielo, Sibra; and Goggle and Scirus web searchers. English and Spanish key words used for inquire were "delirium" and "elderly". References from selected articles were also examined.

Papers Selection: The papers were selected according to their significance; priority was given to evidence level and the author peer's academic reputation on delirium. It is worthwhile mentioning that no evidence level I studies were found on the prevention and treatment of delirium.

Data Harvest: The references were classified by publication type (abstract, original researches and updating) to then proceed to compilation, review and analysis.

Data synthesis and conclusions: Based on the data obtained we could confirm that there is a high incidence of delirium among hospitalized and early post chirurgie elderly patients, as well as among those with end stage disease. The presence of delirium is a predictor of illness severity, length of hospital stay and mortality. The incidence, severity and complications of delirium could be decreased through appropriate identification and risk factor management