THIS WEEK

6 | NewScientist | 30 July 2011

A hidden epidemic facing elderly patients could be tackled by changing their hospital care

In hospital, am losing my mind

Peter Aldhous

JEAN

!LO

UIS

CO

URT

INAT

/RAP

HO/

GAM

MA

/CAM

ERA

PRES

S

“There are many people living with an insidious decline in cognition that is not Alzheimer’s”

110730_N_p6_7.indd 6 26/7/11 17:25:02

30 July 2011 | NewScientist | 7

–Stay mobile to fend off delirium–

In this section Did Earth’s time bomb wipe out dinosaurs? page 8Embryos grown on a bed of Braille pins, page 10Why 3D printing will change the world, page 20

The key components of the ABCDE system for reducing delirium in intensive care

Awakening: wake from sedation at regular intervalsBreathing: daily tests of unassisted breathing , to reduce time on mechanical ventilationChoice of sedation: use milder sedatives where possible; avoid those – such as benzodiazepines – known to increase the delirium riskDelirium monitoring: evaluate regularly for signs of delirium using a validated screening testEarly mobility and exercise: get patients up and moving as soon as possible

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

“Risk factors include immobilisation, disturbed sleep and being on mechanical ventilation”

110730_N_p6_7.indd 7 26/7/11 17:25:12