Screening for cognitive impairment may lead to diagnostic and treatment plans that improve patients’ safety
Mild memory changes and reduced speed of processing information are normal cognitive changes in older adults, but between 35% and 50% of adults over the age of 85 years have moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment includes a range of conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment, delirium and the various dementia syndromes. It is an independent predictor of excess mortality1 and increases the risk of adverse medication effects from benzodiazepines and anticholinergics.
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