Gender differences in factors associated with delirium severity in older adults with dementia.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to explore potential gender differences in the relationship of dementia severity, age, APOE status, cognitive reserve and co-morbidity (two potentially modifiable factors), to delirium severity in older adults. Baseline data from an ongoing clinical trial and a Poisson regression procedure were used in the analyses. Participants were 148 elderly individuals with dementia and delirium admitted to post-acute care. In women, delirium severity was related to dementia severity (p=0.002) and co-morbidity moderated that effect (p=0.03). In men, education was marginally associated with delirium severity (p=0.06). Implications for research are discussed.