Understanding Delirium in Older Adults: Causes, Assessment, and Comprehensive Care-View Presentation

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Video Summary

Dr. Kirsten Wilkins, a geriatric psychiatrist at the VA in West Haven and a professor at Yale, delivered an informative talk on delirium. Her presentation aimed to equip listeners with the ability to define delirium and emphasize its implications on both short and long-term health outcomes. Delirium, distinguished by fluctuating levels of consciousness and attention deficits, is a prevalent yet often overlooked condition in hospital settings. It's crucial to differentiate it from dementia due to its acute onset and potential reversibility.<br /><br />Dr. Wilkins highlighted various factors contributing to delirium, including environmental, physiological, and pharmacological triggers. She emphasized the importance of recognizing delirium, as it is linked to significant health complications, including increased mortality and cognitive decline.<br /><br />The talk covered diagnostic approaches, including effective screening tools like the Confusion Assessment Method. Management strategies were detailed, focusing on non-pharmacologic interventions and the judicious use of medications, particularly cautioning against benzodiazepines outside of withdrawal contexts.<br /><br />Prevention strategies include addressing core risk factors through programs like the Hospital Elder Life Program. Dr. Wilkins underscored delirium's preventable nature with proper hospital care, delineating the critical role of healthcare professionals in mitigating its occurrence and ensuring better outcomes for older adults.

Keywords

delirium

geriatric psychiatry

health outcomes

diagnostic approaches

Confusion Assessment Method

non-pharmacologic interventions

Hospital Elder Life Program

cognitive decline

healthcare professionals