Preliminary Evidence of a Positive Effect of Occupational Therapy in Patients With Delirium Superimposed on Dementia

It has been reported that delirium superimposed on dementia strongly predicts worse outcomes in older rehabilitation inpatients.1 The nonpharmacologic approach is the first step for delirium prevention and treatment.2 Previous studies suggest that early psycho-cognitive and motor activation, performed by a multidisciplinary team, may reduce delirium duration and, consequently, future disability.3 In addition, 2 studies of critically ill patients have shown that occupational therapy (OT) reduces the duration of delirium and improves the functional status at hospital discharge.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research