Prevalence, presentation and prognosis of delirium in older people in the population, at home and in long term care: a review. (18th April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de, E.; Verhaak, P. F. M.; van der, K.
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 2(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2012-04-18
• Subjects: Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.3814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="gps3814-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>The aim of this study is to provide an overview of prevalence, symptoms, risk factors and prognosis of delirium in primary care and institutionalized long‐term care.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3814-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>The method used in this study is a systematic PubMed search and literature review.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3814-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The prevalence of delirium in the population among the elderly aged 65+ years is 1–2%. Prevalence rises with age: 10% among a "general" population aged 85+ years. Prevalence rises up to 22% in populations with higher percentages of demented elder. In long‐term care, prevalence ranges between 1.4% and 70%, depending on diagnostic criteria and on the prevalence of dementia. There is a significant increase of the risk of delirium with age and cognitive decline in all groups. Concerning prognosis, most studies agree that older people who previously experienced delirium have a higher risk of dementia and a higher mortality rate. Population and long‐term care studies show the same tendency.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3814-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Delirium in a non‐selected population aged 65+ years is uncommon. However, prevalence rises very quickly in selected older groups. Primary care doctors should be aware of a relatively high risk of delirium among the elderly in long‐term care, those older than 85 years and those with dementia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>