Altered Mental Status in Older Emergency Department Patients

This article reviews the significance of altered mental status in older emergency department patients. Specific diagnoses are discussed, including delirium, stupor and coma, and dementia, with a focus on delirium. Finally, an approach to all older patients is suggested that should result in increased clinician comfort with older patients, improved ability to communicate with other physicians, increased quality of care, and improved patient and family satisfaction.