Table 2 At a glance summary of cognitive impairment in ICU
From: From bedside to recovery: exercise therapy for prevention of post-intensive care syndrome
What is known | |
 High prevalence | 70–100% of patients report cognitive impairment post-ICU (e.g. memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, and dementia) |
 Persistent symptoms | Prevalence decreases to 47% by 2 years post-ICU |
 Assessment tools | MOCA-Blind and MMSE |
 Complex aetiology | Multifactorial aetiology including patient and clinical factors (e.g. ICU delirium, cerebral hypoxia, length of ICU stay, age, disease severity) |
Current research/knowledge gaps | |
 Evidence-based therapies | Current approaches focus on early identification and holistic interventions. Cognitive rehabilitation, pharmacological agents, psychological support, and environmental modifications within the ICU are under investigation |
 Impact of ET | Animal models support the neuroprotective effects of ET. Clinical trials are needed to identify optimal ET (e.g. types, intensity, and timing) to improve cognitive function post-critical illness |
 Delirium management | Delirium known risk factor for cognitive impairment. The optimal process to prevent, detect, and treat ICU delirium remains an active area of research |
 Focus on long-term outcomes | More longitudinal studies are required to better understand recovery trajectory, including early predictors |
 Mechanisms and biomarkers | The underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuroendocrine alterations, and predictive biomarkers all being studied |
 Rehabilitation approaches | Research needs to further explore optimal multi-dimensional approaches, including the role of family/caregiver support |