Delirium News and Research

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Delirium is a mental state in which a person is confused, disoriented, and not able to think or remember clearly. The person may also be agitated and have hallucinations, and extreme excitement.

Dronabinol shows promise in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients

In a study led by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, researchers show that a pill form of the drug dronabinol, an FDA-approved synthetic version of marijuana's main ingredient, THC, reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's by an average of 30%.

2 Oct 2024

Researchers develop tools for objective pain measurement in the operating room

The degree to which a surgical patient's subconscious processing of pain, or "nociception," is properly managed by their anesthesiologist will directly affect the degree of post-operative drug side effects they'll experience and the need for further pain management they'll require.

23 Sep 2024

Liposomal bupivacaine shows no advantage in postoperative pain management for older adults

For older adults undergoing hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture, intraoperative use of liposomal bupivacaine does not improve pain scores or other relevant outcomes, compared to conventional bupivacaine, reports a study in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

19 Sep 2024

Combination treatment improves symptoms of agitated delirium in end-of-life cancer patients

Treatment with a combination of haloperidol and lorazepam reduced symptoms of agitated delirium, a common end-of-life condition for patients with advanced cancers, compared with haloperidol alone, according to a new study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

16 Sep 2024

Exploring the role of suvorexant in reducing delirium among older adults

Delirium is a sudden onset and temporary state of disturbed consciousness or cognition, occurring due to underlying medical issues like fever or alcohol withdrawal.

29 Aug 2024

Study confirms safety of high and low oxygen levels for cardiac surgery patients

Two out of 10 people who receive cardiac surgery are affected by acute kidney injury, prolonging their hospital stay and increasing their risk for chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline and heart failure.

21 Aug 2024

Cognitive decline persists in older adults long after severe COVID-19 recovery

Older adults recovering from COVID-19 experience varying degrees of cognitive decline over 2.5 years, with severe cases showing the most significant impact. Early cognitive care and monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes.

24 Jul 2024

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

The association of in-hospital delirium with functional disability and cognitive impairment.

4 Jul 2024

New research dispels myths about anesthesia-related cognitive decline

General anesthesia makes it possible for millions of patients each year to undergo lifesaving surgeries while unconscious and free of pain.

10 Jun 2024

$Hip fracture surgery may reduce mortality for dementia patients compared to non-surgical methods$

Hip fracture surgery may reduce mortality for dementia patients compared to non-surgical methods

The decision to undergo surgery can be complicated for people living with dementia, not only due to limited decision-making capabilities, but also because participation in rehabilitation afterward is imperative to surgery success.

3 Jun 2024

Study examines prescribing patterns of tricyclic antidepressants for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Many adults with diabetes and the associated complication of peripheral neuropathy, which can be painful as well as harmful, are often prescribed drugs at doses and for durations that could impose an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

30 May 2024

New help for dealing with aggression in people with dementia

Caring for older adults with dementia is stressful, especially when they become physically or verbally aggressive, wander away from home, develop paranoia or hallucinations, engage in inappropriate or repetitive behaviors, or refuse to let caregivers help them.

28 May 2024

Updated medical guidance reject 'excited delirium' to prevent misuse in police custody cases

Updated medical guidance on excited delirium, the controversial term accused of covering up deaths in police custody, including that of George Floyd, is being brought forward before its scheduled date of October 2025, reports The BMJ today.

20 May 2024

The impact of delirium on cardiac surgery patients

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines delirium as a disturbance in attention and awareness that develops over a short period and involves fluctuation in severity.

10 May 2024

Stranded in the ER, seniors await hospital care and suffer avoidable harm

Every day, the scene plays out in hospitals across America: Older men and women lie on gurneys in emergency room corridors moaning or suffering silently as harried medical staff attend to crises.

6 May 2024

Risks of antipsychotic use in dementia extend beyond previous alerts, study shows

Antipsychotic use in people with dementia is associated with higher risks of a wide range of serious health outcomes compared with non-use, according to a new study from a collaboration across the Universities of Manchester, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Dundee.

23 Apr 2024

Study shows antipsychotic drugs increase health risks in dementia patients

Study found that antipsychotic drug use in dementia patients is linked to increased risks of stroke, heart failure, and other serious conditions.

18 Apr 2024

Antipsychotics for dementia associated with elevated risks of serious adverse outcomes

Antipsychotic use in people with dementia is associated with elevated risks of a wide range of serious adverse outcomes including stroke, blood clots, heart attack, heart failure, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury, compared with non-use, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

17 Apr 2024

Delirium linked to tripled dementia risk in older adults, Australian study finds

The relationship between delirium and new-onset dementia among older adults with no dementia diagnosis.

28 Mar 2024

Older people with delirium three times more likely to develop dementia

University of Queensland researchers have found older patients who experience delirium are three times more likely to develop dementia.

27 Mar 2024