Detecting Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Delirium disproportionately affects patients with dementia and is associated with adverse outcomes. The diagnosis of delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD), however, can be challenging due to several factors, including the absence of caregivers or the severity of preexisting cognitive impairment. Altered level of consciousness has been advocated as a possible useful indicator of delirium in this population. Here we evaluated the performance of the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) and the modified-RASS (m-RASS), an ultra-brief measure of the level of consciousness, in the diagnosis of DSD.

Design

Multicenter prospective observational study. RASS and m-RASS results were analyzed together, labeled RASS/m-RASS.

Setting

Acute geriatric wards, in-hos

SUBMITTER: Morandi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5257263 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature