Extreme Confusion Most Common COVID-19 Symptom in Frail Older Adults, New Research Discovers

A new study by Kings College London published in Age and Ageing found extreme confusion or delirium to be the most common symptom of COVID-19 in frail seniors, reports The Independent . The researchers analyzed data from more than 800 people over the age of 65, including 322 hospitalized with COVID-19 and 535 people at home with a positive result using an app on behalf of friends and family. Older hospitalized adults classified as frail were more likely to have had delirium, compared with people of the same age who were not frail. Among those older than 65 using the app, delirium also was more frequent in frailer people with COVID-19 versus more robust people of the same age with the virus. "Current guidance in Ireland does not include confusion as a symptom to prompt testing," said Kings College's Mary Ní Lochlainn. "Doctors and carers should look out for signs of confusion or strange behavior in frail older people because it could be an early warning sign of COVID-19."