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BRAIN INJURY

Study Correlates Delirium To Long-Term Cognitive Impairment

October 04, 2013||

Study Correlates Delirium To Long-Term Cognitive Impairment

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Brain Injury on Friday, October 4, 2013.

According to recent research out of Vanderbilt published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a stay in the ICU means a high risk of coming out with brain dysfunction similar to that seen in Alzheimer’s patients. That is the case whether an individual is admitted for breathing failure, cardiogenic shock, or sepsis.

The reason, researchers say, has to do with the increased risk of delirium in ICU patients. Delirium is a condition in which a patient displays a temporary brain dysfunction characterized by extreme confusion. Researchers have correlated delirium to heightened risk for long-term cognitive problems.

In fact, the research shows that delirium is probably the strongest predictor for long-term cognitive difficulties for ICU patients. Because of this, it is also an area where more research is needed in terms of how to intervene so as to decrease the risk of such problems.

One thing the study suggested was that more needs to be done to ensure that ICU patients are alert, awake and on their feet when possible. This can help cut the risk of developing delirium. Also potentially helpful are activities that stimulate brain function, like puzzles and games. More needs to be done to research the issue though.

Car accident victims are among those who may be admitted to ICU facilities. Obviously, the costs and damages associated with such care, as well as the long-term consequences of cognitive impairment, are pertinent factors in personal injury suits. When putting together a personal injury suit based for a car accident, all of this must be taken into consideration when calculating damages.

Source: CBS News, “Study: ICU stays lead to Alzheimer’s-like problems in one-third of patients,” Ryan Jaslow, October 2, 2013.

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