Preventing Delirium among Older Adults with Dementia

Donna M. Fick, PhD, GCNS-BC, Associate Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Ann Kolanowski, PhD, RN, FAAN, Elouise Ross Eberly Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.

Delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) is common, is associated with poor clinical and economic outcomes, and occurs across all settings of care. In this article, we briefly review outcomes of DSD, propose the idea of cognitive reserve as a possible mechanism for interventions that prevent and manage DSD, and present the evidence for delirium interventions. We conclude with implications for practice and suggest web-based resources for supporting best practices in the care of persons with DSD.
Key words: delirium, dementia, prevention, interventions, cognitive reserve.