Brain-Body Breakthroughs – What could happen to you in the hospital if you don’t know about delirium. An interview with Malaz Boustani, MD

Summary: Delirium -- an acute brain disorder -- is as serious as having a heart attack! Once it develops, the risk of death is the same as having a heart attack ... and you probably haven't even heard of it. What's worse, it frequently goes undiagnosed. It's probably the most common acute brain disorder affecting adults in general hospitals involving 10% of all hospitalized adults, 33% of elderly hospital patients and up to 80% of those in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). It accounts for $150 billion of health care expenditures and doctors are even beginning to think it is a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Some of the OTC (over the counter) products on your nightstand might even put you at risk of getting delirium. Join me today to find out what they are. To hear more about this widespread problem, what it is, how it is treated and even how it can be prevented, listen to what Dr. Boustani -- Research Director for the Healthy Aging Brain Center at Wishard (http://www.wishard.edu/314.html)-- has to say.