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

Abstract

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 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
• Trajectories
• Older