Acute disease induced cognitive dysfunction in older patients - an unrecognized syndrome

BMC Geriatr. 2022 Aug 15;22(1):670. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03323-w.

Abstract

Background: It is unknown, how many older hospitalized patients experience cognitive changes independently from delirium.

Methods: In this retrospective study, cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment on admission and discharge in 103 acute care geriatric hospital patients.

Results: Mean age was 80.8 ± 7.3 years. The total MoCA score on admission was 17.8 (±4.5) and at discharge 17.7 (±4.4). The mean difference of the total MoCA score was - 0.1 (±3.5). 12 (11.7%) patients suffered from delirium. 46 (44.7%) patients experienced significant changes of cognitive function <- 2 or > 2 MoCA points without delirium. There was no significant association between delirium during hospital stay and the prevalence and magnitude of changes in total MoCA score.

Conclusion: Cognitive changes frequently occur during acute disease of geriatric patients independently from delirium. We propose the term "acute disease induced cognitive dysfunction" (ADICD) for this entity.

Trial registration: German Clinical trial register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00025157 on 28.04.2021).

Keywords: Cognitive function; Delirium; Montreal cognitive assessment; Older; Trajectories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / epidemiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Delirium* / diagnosis
  • Delirium* / epidemiology
  • Delirium* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Syndrome