Sudden confusion in the hospital may signal higher dementia risk later in life

AI Summary

A report says delirium, a sudden disturbance in attention and awareness among hospitalized older adults, may be associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. Delirium can be triggered by conditions such as infection, surgery, or medication and affects a substantial share of hospital and intensive-care patients.

Hospitalized older adults can suddenly become disoriented and struggle to make sense of their surroundings. This condition, known as delirium, disrupts attention, awareness and clear thinking. The confusion can set in abruptly or come and go, sometimes changing in severity over time. It is far from rare, as it affects up to 30% of older hospital patients and as many as 80% of those in intensive care units (ICUs). There are several factors that can trigger such a state, including an infection, surgery or even certain medications.