14th June 2021

A 72-year-old man has become acutely confused whilst in hospital over the past several hours

A 72-year-old man has become acutely confused whilst in hospital over the past several hours. He was initially admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and developed a wound infection postoperatively. He had no previous history of cognitive impairment but is now only scoring a 2/10 on an Abbreviated Mental Test and is disoriented to time, place and person. He demands to leave and does not recognise his daughter when she comes to visit – which leaves her very distressed. She asks whether her dad will now be permanently confused and whether this means he has dementia.  

Which of the following statements about the long term prognosis of this condition is correct?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.