Document Detail


The 3 D's of Geriatric Psychiatry: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21840820     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
A Caucasian female octogenarian with multiple medical problems was admitted to the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit with intermittent altered mental status and decline in memory. She had been hospitalized four times in the previous three months. She was admitted on more than 10 medications and received more than 20 different medications in this time period. It was determined that she had delirium concurrent with dementia and/or depression. During her hospital stay a urinary tract infection (UTI) was treated, her anticholinergic medications were minimized, and her digoxin dose was adjusted. As her mental status cleared, a workup was completed to differentiate between dementia and depression. She was initially treated with memantine, but as time progressed it became more evident she was experiencing depression and a "pseudodementia," which was treated with sertraline. Her Mini-Mental State Examination returned to 29/30 (her score previously was 26/29). This case demonstrates the complexity of treating an elder individual and the importance of differentiating among delirium, depression, and dementia. The pharmacy team played an active role in medication reconciliation. Additionally, they worked with the medical team to minimize her potentially harmful medications and optimize the treatment of her UTI and depression.
Authors:
Sheetal Dharia; Kailen Verilla; Ericka L Breden
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Consultant pharmacist : the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists     Volume:  26     ISSN:  0888-5109     ISO Abbreviation:  Consult Pharm     Publication Date:  2011 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-08-15     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9013983     Medline TA:  Consult Pharm     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  566-78     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
University of South Florida College of Pharmacy, Tampa, Florida.
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