Delirium linked to ‘drastically’ raised risk of new onset dementia

An episode of delirium postsurgery flags the need for ongoing close monitoring of cognitive function, researchers say

Elderly patients who experience delirium in hospital have a drastic 12-fold increased likelihood of developing dementia, Australian researchers warn.

They say the finding strongly emphasises delirium as a significant risk factor for incident dementia and an episode warrants close monitoring of patients’ cognitive function.