Nursing Edição Brasileira · Aug 27, 2026

Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults: The Role of Cognitive Reserve in the Speed of Recovery

By de Paulo VS

Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome in hospitalized older adults, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and functional decline. Cognitive reserve (RC), defined as the brain's ability to maintain cognitive function despite underlying pathologies, has been shown to be a determining factor in brain resilience. This systematic review aims to analyze the influence of cognitive reserve on the speed of recovery in older adults following episodes of delirium. The results indicate that individuals with greater cognitive reserve exhibit faster functional recovery and a lower risk of persistent cognitive decline after hospitalization. It is concluded that cognitive reserve acts as a neuroprotective mediator, suggesting that cognitive stimulation strategies and recognition of the value of educational history should be integrated into geriatric management to optimize clinical outcomes.

doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2026v32i340p17461-17464Open accessPopulations