الفهرس 
Pathophysiology of altered mental status in critically ill patientsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Altered mental status is characterized by impaired cognition with nonspecific manifestations. It occurs more frequently among hospitalized elderly patients (up to 30%). In the intensive care unit (ICU) occurrence rate is approaching 80%; it may develop secondary to multiple precipitating or predisposing causes. Although it can be a transient and reversible status, its occurrence in ICU patients may be associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction; early identification and risk factor assessment are key factors.
Altered mental status diagnostic workup is challenging; therefore, a thoughtful and comprehensive approach is essential, which involves clarifying the history and onset of symptoms with the patients and/or caregivers, and localizing specific signs or symptoms to narrow the differentials; directing the differentials may be even more problematic in older patients, who often present with relatively common altered mentality conditions in uncommon and subtle manners; therefore, it is important to tailor a thoughtful approach specific to individual patients.