Cognitive Dysfunction in ICU Patients: Risk Factors, Predictors, and Rehabilitation Interventions
Abstract
In contrast to other clinical outcomes, long-term cognitive function in critical care survivors has not been deeply studied. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing literature on the prevalence, mechanisms, risk factors, and prediction of cognitive impairment after surviving critical illness. Depending on the exact clinical subgroup, up to 100% of critical care survivors may suffer some degree of long-term cognitive impairment at hospital discharge; in approximately 50%, decrements in cognitive function will persist years later. Although the mechanisms of acquiring this impairment are poorly understood, several risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately, no easy means of predicting long-term cognitive impairment exists. Despite this barrier, research is ongoing to test possible treatments for cognitive impairment. In particular, the potential role of exercise on cognitive recovery is an exciting area of exploration. Opportunities exist to incorporate physical and cognitive rehabilitation strategies across a spectrum of environments (in the ICU, on the hospital ward, and at home, posthospital discharge).
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Cognitive impairment is very common in ARDS survivors.
“Furthermore, cognitive impairment is very common in ARDS survivors.”
From Cognitive decline following acute viral infections: literature review and projections for post-COVID-19 (2022) · cites this paper as [120]
46-80% of ARDS patients are cognitively impaired one-year post-discharge.
“46–80% one-year post-discharge”
From Cognitive decline following acute viral infections: literature review and projections for post-COVID-19 (2022) · cites this paper as [120]
70-100% of ARDS patients are cognitively impaired on hospital discharge.
“Seventy to 100% of ARDS patients are cognitively impaired on hospital discharge”
From Cognitive decline following acute viral infections: literature review and projections for post-COVID-19 (2022) · cites this paper as [120]
20% of ARDS patients are cognitively impaired after five years.
“and 20% after five years [119, 120].”
From Cognitive decline following acute viral infections: literature review and projections for post-COVID-19 (2022) · cites this paper as [120]
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- Authors
- Wilcox, M. E., Brummel, N. E., Archer, K., Ely, E. W., Jackson, J. C., & Hopkins, R. O.
- Affiliations
- Toronto Western Hospital (CA)
- Vanderbilt University (US)
- Brigham Young University (US)
- Venue
- Critical Care Medicine
- Published
- 2013-09
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 9 Suppl 1
- Pages
- S81-S98
- ISSN
- 0090-3493 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2328610580
- Cited by
- 215
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 7
- FWCI
- 1.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Critical Care Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine › Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- Keywords
- cognitive impairment, critical illness, intensive care unit survivors, long-term cognitive function, risk factors, cognitive impairment prediction, physical activity, cognitive rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cognition Disorders, Critical Care, Female, Humans, Intensive Care Units, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Critical Illness
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