Delusions and behavioral disturbances in cognitively impaired elderly persons

• Published in: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) Vol. 40; no. 8; p. 768
• Main Authors: Lachs, M S, Becker, M, Siegal, A P, Miller, R L, Tinetti, M E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.1992
• Subjects: Aged; Cognition Disorders - complications; Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; Connecticut - epidemiology; Delusions - epidemiology; Delusions - etiology; Delusions - psychology; Female; Geriatric Assessment; Hospitals, University; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Male; Mental Disorders - epidemiology; Mental Disorders - etiology; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Status Schedule; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Connecticut
• ISSN: 0002-8614
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1992.tb01847.x

To compare cognitive function and the prevalence of selected behavioral problems in delusional and non-delusional dementia patients. Retrospective medical record review. An outpatient geriatric assessment center. 114 consecutive patients with dementia. Delusions as recorded in a consultation report. Delusions were described in 25.5% of patients. A variety of behavioral disturbances were more common in delusional than non-delusional patients, including agitation, angry or hostile outbursts, urinary incontinence, wandering or pacing, and insomnia. While cognitive function as measured by the MMSE was similar in delusional and non-delusional patients (18.9 +/- 3.8 and 19.2 +/- 5.9, respectively), there was a statistically borderline tendency for delusions to occur more often in patients in the mid-range of cognitive impairment (17 less than or equal to MMSE less than or equal to 23) compared with patients with greater or lesser degrees of cognitive impairment (32% vs 17% respectively). Delusions in dementia are associated with a variety of behavioral problems. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of delusions in the development of disruptive behaviors in dementing illness.