We will also stream this seminar via Zoom.
For the link, please contact us: pennmindcore@sas.upenn.edu

Shawniqua Williams Roberson
Department of Neurology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Altered Reality from the Outside Looking In: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers and Outcomes of Delirium

Of approximately 6 million admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States each year, more than 25% are complicated by delirium, an acute confusional state characterized by fluctuating levels of arousal, and deficits in multiple cognitive domains. Historically considered a normal response to systemic inflammation, sedation, and environmental conditions germane to the ICU environment, delirium has recently gained recognition as a distinct form of organ failure that portends worse prognosis, and merits active monitoring and intervention. Delirium in the ICU is independently associated with higher mortality, higher costs of care and greater risk of dementia among ICU survivors. Decades of researchers have sought to understand the neurobiological mechanisms leading to delirium, and identify ways to limit its occurrence and duration. Still, there is still much to learn about this enigmatic disorder. This lecture will discuss the diverse mechanisms by which delirium is postulated to occur, describe some biophysiologic indicators of its presence and explore possible pathophysiologic links between delirium and long-term cognitive decline.

A pizza lunch will be served. Please bring your own beverage.