Blood analyses may predict risk of delirium in older surgical patients

Delirium, or sudden severe confusion due to rapid changes in brain function that can occur with physical or mental illness, affects 15 percent – 53 percent of older surgical patients. New research may help clinicians assess a patient’s risk of developing post-operative delirium, enabling preventive measures to safeguard their health. The research also provides insights into the the development of delirium, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.