Delirium

This trial investigates whether a single 4 mg dose of the steroid dexamethasone, given intravenously before hip fracture surgery, can lower the risk and severity of postoperative delirium in adults aged 60 and older. Delirium is a sudden state of confusion that often occurs after…

This completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…

This study tested whether early cognitive training and rehabilitation can improve long-term thinking skills in older adults (65+) who experienced delirium during a hospital stay. 283 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cognitive training program or usual car…

This study tested whether it is possible to set personalized blood pressure targets for critically ill patients using a brain oxygen monitor. Sixteen ICU patients on breathing machines or shock medications had their blood pressure adjusted to match individual brain blood flow nee…

This completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …

This study looked at whether a special brain scan called 18F-FDG PET can help doctors tell the difference between cognitive problems caused by psychiatric conditions versus neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Researchers studied 20 adults with cognitive impairment who ha…

This study tested a French version of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), a tool to quickly diagnose acute confusion (delirium) in elderly patients. Researchers compared the CAM results with a psychiatrist's diagnosis using standard criteria. The goal was to see how accurate t…

This study tested a Thai version of a simple tool called the Delirium Diagnostic Tool-Provisional (DDT-Pro) to see if it can accurately diagnose delirium in elderly patients with hip fractures. Delirium is a common complication after hip fracture surgery, but current diagnostic m…

This study tested whether giving mannitol, a substance that reduces brain swelling, could prevent delirium in older adults hospitalized for a heart attack. Fifty patients aged 65 and older with high inflammation levels were included. The goal was to see if mannitol could lower th…

This study tested whether giving IV acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours during and after heart surgery could prevent delirium—sudden confusion—in patients aged 60 and older. Delirium is common after heart surgery and can lead to longer hospital stays and other problems. The tri…

This study tested whether aromatherapy can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in adults in the intensive care unit who are on breathing machines. 161 patients took part, and the approach used scented oils applied to the skin. The goal was to see if this simple, drug-free method …

This study tested if being in a room with natural light instead of artificial light could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) after heart surgery. Researchers observed 448 adults in the ICU. The goal was to see if natural light lowers the chance of delirium and reduces the need f…

This study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in elderly patients after major non-cardiac surgery. Researchers enrolled 88 patients aged 65 and older across multiple hospitals. The goal was to see if a larger trial …

This study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in elderly patients after leg fracture surgery. Delirium affects up to 40% of older adults after major surgery and can lead to longer hospital stays and loss of independ…

This study tests whether combining two sedatives, dexmedetomidine and esketamine, can lower the chance of delirium (sudden confusion) in older patients (60+) after surgery in the ICU. Delirium is common and can lead to worse outcomes. The trial will involve 100 participants and t…

This study looks at whether adding a physical activity education program to adapted exercise helps people with mild memory or thinking problems more than exercise alone. Thirty-four participants will be followed for six months to measure changes in activity level, thinking skills…

This study tested whether giving electroacupuncture 30 minutes before major surgery could lower the chance of postoperative delirium (sudden confusion) in patients aged 65 to 90. Over 1,100 participants were randomly assigned to receive real or sham acupuncture. The goal was to s…

This study looked at whether a weekly hour of adapted physical activity for 12 weeks could improve self-esteem and motivation in 17 older adults with mild to major cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. Researchers measured changes in self-esteem, motivation, and apathy. The goal …

This study tested a silent alarm system in intensive care units to see if it lowers noise, patient delirium, and staff burnout. Over 200 patients and healthcare workers took part, comparing four weeks with the silent system to four weeks without. The goal was to see if reducing a…

This study looked at 120 boys aged 4 months to 12 years having urogenital surgery. It compared an opioid-free caudal block (using bupivacaine) with an opioid-supplemented penile nerve block (using fentanyl) to see which provides better pain control and less post-surgery delirium.…

This study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…

This study tested whether giving clonidine, a blood pressure medication, before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could reduce the confusion and agitation that often follows the procedure. ECT is effective for severe depression and bipolar disorder, but up to 65% of patients experi…

This study tested whether a pain plan without strong opioids works as well as one with opioids for children after tonsil surgery. Sixty-two kids aged 3 to 17 were randomly assigned to get either morphine plus other drugs or a combo of dexmedetomidine, acetaminophen, and ketorolac…

This study tested whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can reduce how long non-intubated ICU patients experience agitated delirium. Researchers randomly gave 168 patients either dexmedetomidine or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug shortens agitation and delirium, and red…

This study tested whether giving a low-dose sedative called dexmedetomidine at night can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after heart surgery. The trial involved 504 patients aged 60-89 who had heart surgery with a heart-lung machine. The drug was infused overn…

This study tested whether playing a recording of a mother's voice to children as they wake up from anesthesia can reduce postoperative delirium. Eighty children having tonsil surgery took part. Half heard their mother's reassuring voice during recovery; the other half did not. Re…

This study gave robotic pets (like the Joy for All™ cat or dog) to 106 older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia during their hospital stay. The goal was to see if the pets could lower delirium risk, reduce falls, and cut down on strong medications. Researchers compared these p…

This study tested whether weighted blankets can help prevent or reduce delirium in adult ICU patients. 49 participants used the blankets, and researchers measured satisfaction from patients, their families, and healthcare providers. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug ap…

This study tested whether giving intravenous guanfacine to critically ill patients with delirium in the ICU could improve their brain function. 46 adults on breathing machines or for shock were randomly assigned to receive guanfacine or a placebo. Researchers measured days withou…

This study tested whether therapeutic touch — a gentle, non-invasive technique — can reduce pain, delirium, and improve sleep in 80 intensive care patients. Researchers measured pain, sedation, sleep quality, and vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate. The goal was to see…

This study tested whether wearing eye masks and earplugs at night for three nights could help prevent confusion (delirium) and reduce pain in children aged 6-12 in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). 74 children were randomly assigned to either wear the sleep aids or receiv…

This study tested whether a sleep medication called suvorexant could improve sleep and reduce severe confusion (delirium) in adults 65 and older after non-cardiac surgery. 142 participants received either the drug or a placebo after their operation. The goal was to see if better …

This study looked at whether adding dexmedetomidine to standard morphine pain relief after cancer surgery could lower the chance of delirium (sudden confusion) in patients aged 65 and older. A total of 1500 participants were randomly assigned to receive either morphine alone or m…

This study tested whether a continuous infusion of nefopam, a non-opioid painkiller, can reduce the need for fentanyl (a strong opioid) in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilators. Sixty adults were randomly assigned to receive either nefopam plus standard care or standa…

This study tested a wearable eye-tracking device called EyeControl-Pro in 160 older, ventilated ICU patients. The device lets patients communicate by moving their eyes, which may help reduce delirium—a state of confusion common in intensive care. Researchers compared patients who…

This study looked at whether giving a medicine called dexmedetomidine during major abdominal surgery can lower the chance of confusion (delirium) in patients aged 65 and older. About 268 elderly patients took part, and researchers checked for confusion twice a day while they were…

This study tested whether music therapy can prevent hospital-related confusion (delirium) in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia. 30 hospitalized adults took part, receiving either music therapy sessions, self-directed music listening, or standard care. Research…

This study tested whether the sleep medication suvorexant (Belsomra) can help older adults sleep better and reduce confusion after heart surgery. One hundred patients aged 60 and older received either suvorexant or a placebo for seven nights in the ICU. Researchers measured sleep…

This study tested whether listening to slow-tempo music through noise-cancelling headphones twice a day could help older adults in the ICU avoid delirium—a state of confusion linked to longer hospital stays and lasting cognitive problems. Researchers enrolled 160 critically ill p…

This study tested whether a virtual reality game called ReCognitionVR could help older adults (60+) stay mentally alert after abdominal surgery. Thirty participants used the VR headset or standard orientation methods. The goal was to see if the VR approach is safe, acceptable, an…

This study tested whether early cognitive stimulation—simple mental exercises like orientation, attention, and memory tasks—can reduce delirium in critically ill patients. 130 adults in the ICU were enrolled within 24 hours of admission. The goal was to see if these exercises low…

This study looks at whether certain antibiotics given before surgery are linked to postoperative delirium in adults over 65 having elective non-cardiac surgery. Researchers will track antibiotic use and check for delirium twice daily. The goal is to provide safety evidence to gui…

This study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…

This study looked at 170 older hospital patients with delirium (sudden confusion) to see which bed-exit alarm works better at preventing falls. One system uses pressure-sensitive mats, the other uses a contactless radar device. The goal was to find out which technology more relia…

This study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…

This study looked at how two different anesthesia methods—intravenous propofol versus inhaled sevoflurane gas—affect the brain's protective barrier and the risk of confusion after surgery in 154 older adults (age 60+). Researchers measured a protein in the blood that indicates br…

This study looked at 128 children aged 2-18 who had ear, nose, or throat surgery. Researchers compared standard opioid-based anesthesia to opioid-free anesthesia to see if it reduced post-surgery agitation and delirium. The goal was to find a way to help children recover more cal…

This study observed 100 adults having planned heart surgery to see how many develop delirium (sudden confusion) and whether a standard risk score called EuroSCORE II could predict it. Researchers checked patients for delirium using a special test. The goal was to better understan…

This study tested whether a device that measures pupil changes (automated pupillometry) can help assess pain in intensive care patients who are confused or delirious after surgery. Pain is hard to evaluate in these patients because they cannot communicate clearly. The study enrol…

This small study tested whether a nurse-led walking and sit-to-stand program is practical and liked by older adults with cognitive issues like dementia who are in transitional care after a hospital stay. Six people took part, and the researchers measured how many joined, stayed, …

This study tested a training program for emergency department staff to better detect delirium—a sudden confusion—in older adults. Researchers trained nurses and doctors at three hospitals and checked if detection improved. About 3,000 patients were involved. The goal was to see i…

This completed study looked at 1,000 patients who had heart surgery and were then moved to the ICU. Researchers tracked whether high or low oxygen levels increased the chance of developing delirium, a state of confusion. The goal was to understand how oxygen management might affe…

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…

This study looked at 73 trauma patients in the ICU to see if brainwave (EEG) patterns could predict delirium before it happens. Researchers recorded brain activity over several days and used machine learning to find early warning signs. The goal is to help doctors spot brain prob…

This study looked at whether hearing and vision loss are linked to delirium (sudden confusion) in older hospital patients. Over 1,500 participants answered screening questions and had their hearing and vision tested. In a smaller trial, researchers tested if posting communication…

This study looked at whether a protein called S100B in the blood can help predict memory problems or confusion after surgery. Researchers followed 137 adults having elective surgery, testing their blood and thinking skills before and after the operation. The goal was to see if S1…

This study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.

This study looked at how often brainstem problems occur in COVID-19 patients who are on a ventilator and deeply sedated in the ICU. Researchers checked brainstem reflexes using a simple scoring system, both during sedation and a few days after sedation stopped. The goal was to un…

This study looked at whether adding a brain wave monitor (pEEG) to standard sedation checks helps reduce delirium and time on a breathing machine in ICU patients. Researchers followed 150 adults on ventilators who needed sedation. They compared those who got both the brain monito…

This study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…

This study tested a training program to help emergency department nurses better detect delirium in older adults. Delirium, a sudden confusion, affects up to 20% of older ER patients and is often missed. The program trained nurse champions through workshops and telehealth sessions…

This study looked at how often thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency occurs in hospitalized veterans who do not abuse alcohol. Thiamine deficiency can cause symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and weakness, and may be more common in veterans due to food insecurity and chronic illness. R…

This study looked at 676 children in Swedish pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to find out how often delirium occurs and what factors increase the risk. Delirium is a sudden change in mental state causing confusion or trouble paying attention. The researchers used a simple s…

This study tested a two-step process to improve care for older adults in the emergency department. First, quick screening tests for fall risk, delirium, and frailty were used. Patients with concerning results were then placed in an observation unit for a full team assessment by g…

This study reviewed medical records of 274 adults who had emergency surgery for a torn aorta (aortic dissection). Researchers looked at how often patients had brain complications like stroke or coma after surgery and whether those complications led to longer stays in the intensiv…

This study analyzed health records from over 400,000 adults who had heart surgery to see if the sedative dexmedetomidine helped prevent problems like confusion, kidney injury, or death within 30 days. Researchers compared patients who received the drug around surgery time to thos…

This pilot study tested whether remote smartphone tests of thinking, memory, and motor function can identify older adults who may be vulnerable to cognitive problems after spine surgery. 34 participants completed the tests before surgery, and researchers tracked who developed pos…

This completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…

This study explored the link between delirium (sudden confusion) and the process of taking patients off a breathing machine in the intensive care unit. Researchers watched 38 adults before and after their breathing tube was removed, checking for delirium using a special test. The…

This pilot study tested whether keeping blood pressure within a range that ensures good blood flow to the brain during surgery is feasible and safe compared to usual care. Researchers enrolled 27 older adults having hip, knee, or lung surgery. They measured how often blood pressu…