Serotonergic changes in cognitive decline and delirium

Monoamine neurotransmitter alterations have been linked to delirium and cognitive impairment. Aim was to investigate if this holds true in cognitively normal and impaired patients experiencing delirium following hip surgery. Monoamines and metabolites were measured in plasma samples of 181 individuals by means of reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Delirium and delirium severity were scored with the Confusion Assessment Method and Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-1998. Cognitive function was assessed using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline and the Mini-Mental State Examination, multimorbidity with the Charlson Comorbidity Index.