DIAGNOSTICS OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE WARDS

Abstract

Despite the availability of modern drugs, examination and treatment methods, the issue of cognitive dysfunction is still fairly important for intensive care and anaesthesiologic practice. The review presents statistic data on the frequency of cognitive dysfunction, discusses main tests used for detection of cognitive dysfunction, describes their specific features, advantages and deficiencies. It gives general recommendations on the performance of such tests, interpretation of their results and describes instrumental methods and biochemical markers in blood, spinal fluid and urine which can be used to detect deviations in cognitive functions in patients and objectify examinations in the intensive care practice.

Keywords

• cognitive functions
• cognitive tests
• neuro-psychological examinations
• instrumental diagnostic methods
• biochemical markers