In-hospital delirium linked to long-term cognitive impairment in COVID-19 patients over 60

Medical News.Net In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open, a group of researchers evaluated the association of in-hospital delirium (sudden, severe confusion and brain function changes) with functional disability and cognitive impairment (decline in memory and thinking skills) over the six months following discharge among older adults hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Background 

Older adults are more likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19, often requiring hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Delirium is common among these patients and is reported as the sixth most frequent symptom in older adults presenting to the emergency department. Delirium rates in hospitalized COVID-19 patients range from 11% to 65%.

It is a significant risk factor for complications such as prolonged hospital stays, unplanned ICU admissions, discharge to nursing facilities, and increased mortality. The pandemic exacerbated delirium risk factors, including prolonged hospital stays, sedatives, social isolation, immobility, and communication barriers.

Further research is needed to understand better the long-term impacts of in-hospital delirium on functional and cognitive outcomes in older adults post-COVID-19 hospitalization.