COGNITIVE DECLINE IN PATIENTS ON AN ACUTE GEROPSYCHIATRIC UNIT

The authors compared patients in a geropsychiatric unit who showed mar ked cognitive decline during hospitalization with those who did not. P atients who declined in cognitive function were older, were more likel y to have a diagnosis of dementia, and were more anergic on admission. These patients were also discharged to move restrictive living enviro nments. The subgroup of demented patients who declined in cognitive fu nction were also older and improved less on anxiety and depression.