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Delirium Occurrence and Associated Factors Among Patients With Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment Admitted to Long-Term Care Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Delirium is common among older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment. However, delirium among patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in long-term care (LTC) hospitals has received limited attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine delirium occurrence and associated factors among patients with dementia or MCI in LTC hospitals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 142 patients aged 65 years or older with dementia (n=100, 70.4%) or MCI (n=42, 29.6%) at 2 LTC hospitals in South Korea between September 2021 and August 2022. Delirium occurrence was defined as at least 1 positive Short Confusion Assessment Method assessment during twice-daily assessments over 4 weeks, including the first assessment. Multivariable logistic regression examined associated factors overall and within each cognitive group. RESULTS: Delirium was identified in 55 (38.7%) of 142 patients. The proportion was 41% (41/100) in patients with dementia and 33.3% (14/42) in patients with MCI. Hypoactive delirium was the most common subtype (33/55, 60%). Overall, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.344, 95% CI 1.794-10.515; P=.001), immobility (aOR 4.953, 95% CI 1.857-13.205; P=.001), and analgesic use (aOR 3.641, 95% CI 1.262-10.501; P=.02) were associated with delirium. Infection was inversely associated with delirium (aOR 0.251, 95% CI 0.101-0.623; P=.003). In patients with dementia, female sex, immobility, analgesic use, and pain were associated with delirium. Diaper use was associated with delirium in patients with MCI. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium was common among patients with dementia or MCI in LTC hospitals. The findings support regular delirium assessment, with attention to mobility and pain-related care needs. Further studies are needed to clarify the factors associated with delirium in each cognitive group.

Source: JMIR Aging

DOI: 10.2196/90434

Authors: Kyoung Ja Moon, Yong-Hwan Hyeon

Institutions: Keimyung University, Ulsan College

Language: English

Topic: Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,605