Survival to Discharge Doesn't Rule Out a Brain Still at Risk

Data suggest that critical illnesses, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, have long-term cognitive sequelae, but no studies have included objective measures of prehospitalization and posthospitalization cognitive function. Researchers assessed whether hospitalization was associated with cognitive decline or new dementia diagnosis.

Using data from an ongoing prospective cohort study in a Washington State–based health maintenance organization, investigators analyzed nearly 3000 community-dwelling older patients (age, ≥65). From 1994 to 2007, cognitive function was assessed every 2 years, using a 100-point screening test. Exclusion criteria included dementia at the time of initial assessment and hospitalization for primary brain injury…