Delirium in the elderly is a transient, mostly reversible organic-mental syndrome with acute confusion, cognitive impairment, decline of vigilance, increased or reduced psychomotor activity and a disturbed sleep-wake-cycle. The etiology of delirium is ...

Although a lot is known regarding the epidemiology and aetiology of this condition, the pathophysiology of delirium remains poorly understood. Today, the leading hypothesized mechanism for the pathogenesis of delirium focuses on a central cholinergic ...

Delirium is a clinical diagnosis, which is based on observed disturbances of consciousness and cognitive dysfunction. Associated neuropsychiatric and psychomotoric symptoms are common. Many elderly delirious patients are hypoactive, manifesting a passive ...

The prevalence of delirium in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is reported to vary from 20 to 80 %. Delirium in the ICU is not only a frightening experience for the patient and his or her family, it is also a challenge for the nurses and physicians taking ...

Drugs have been strongly associated with the development of delirium, and they are one of the most easily reversible triggers. In addition to polypharmacy, physiological changes with aging including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes as well as ...

Dementia and delirium are nosologic entities with overlapping presenting symptoms. The diagnostic criteria of dementia and of mild cognitive impairment – conceptualized as prodromal state of dementia – are discussed here and the importance of very early ...

The prevalence of deliria is increasing exponentially with cumulative age. At the University Hospital of Basel 16 % of patients in the 70 – 79 year age-group, 27 % in the 80 – 89 year age-group and 39 % of the over 90 year old are rated as confused and ...

Deliria are a common phenomenon in clinical practise. Predisposing factors are age > 70 yr, dementia, substance abuse, and polypharmacy. Precipitating factors are just as varied and range from infections, dehydration, and surgical intervention to alcohol ...

Background: Based on actual evidence, about one third of deliria can be prevented. Hereby, preventive measures can address both delirium predisposing as well as delirium precipitating factors. Methods: In 2004 an interdisciplinary practice developmental ...