An 84-year-old woman with a CFS of 5 is admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. She is confused on admission (4AT 6). After treatment with antibio...

Question

An 84-year-old woman with a CFS of 5 is admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. She is confused on admission (4AT 6). After treatment with antibiotics, her pneumonia resolves. However, 4 weeks after discharge, her family reports she has not returned to her baseline cognitive function. She is more forgetful, requires more help with daily tasks, and seems slower. What is the MOST appropriate interpretation and action?

Accepted Answer

Delirium may have unmasked underlying cognitive impairment that was not previously apparent - she should have a formal cognitive assessment 6-12 weeks after delirium resolution, with referral to memory services if persistent deficits are confirmed

Answer

She has developed dementia as a result of the pneumonia

Answer

She is simply recovering slowly and no further assessment is needed

Answer

She should be started on Donepezil immediately

Answer

Her family is overreacting - reassure and discharge

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Persistent Cognitive Decline After Delirium