delerium cognitive

COVID-19 causes lasting neurological symptoms in some survivors. Like other infections, COVID-19 may increase risk of cognitive impairment. This perspective highlights four knowledge gaps about COVID-19 that need to be filled to avoid this possible health issue. The first is the need to identify the COVID-19 symptoms, genetic polymorphisms and treatment decisions associated with risk of cognitive impairment. The second is the absence of model systems in which to test hypotheses relating infection to cognition...

Here we posit for discussion the example of a reversible metabolic encephalopthy in a very elderly male that was missed clinically. A metabolic encephalopathy in extrememly elderly patients may be confused with delerium or inattention. A reversible cause of cognative dysfunction in the aged may be missed by practitioners because the aged may be assumed to have some level of impaired cognition; this may lead to a "social dismissal" of mental status changes. We highlight the need for engaged physicians in the care of the aged and vigilance against a professional bias toward the elderly patient that is dismissive...

TWO DISTINCT CATEGORIES: Postoperative cognitive disorders include delirium and long-term cognitive dysfunction. DELERIUM: Delirium is an acute state occurring early during the postoperative period. It may be considered as an acute cerebral insufficiency which may be consecutive both to the negative effects of aging and chronic illness on cognitive function, and to the cerebral impact of operative stress. In addition, precipitating postoperative medical factors may facilitate cerebral failure. Only a few studies have been devoted to prevention programs aimed at reducing the risk of postoperative delirium...

Systematic assessment of cognition, mood, and function in geriatric psychiatry using simple psychological tests provides vital data for diagnosis, management, and treatment outcome. Use of such tests can assist in differentiating depressive pseudodementia and delerium from true dementia. This article presents a computer database program using serial administration of basic psychological tests which are readily obtainable and easily administered. Case histories describe how this testing format provides graphic data documenting treatment course and outcome...