Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Delirium is a medical emergency: an acute disturbance in brain function, characterised by defects in attention, orientation and other cognitive tasks. Ten percent of older people that attend an emergency department have delirium on arrival, and at least that many again develop delirium whilst in hospital. Hospitalised patients with delirium have up to an eight fold increase in mortality after adjusting for covariates. The single greatest risk factor for delirium is pre-existing cognitive impairment, which also makes routine detection difficult. The majority of people that live in aged care have dementia, and so they are the most at risk population for delirium.

In people living with dementia, delirium is mostly undetected until secondary morbidity become established. The successful PhD applicant will trial early detection and management strategies in people living with dementia that can subsequently be translated into practice to enable earlier recognition and management of acute delirium. Results will build on quality of life gains for older people already achieved, as well as reducing morbidity and mortality.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for enrolment in a Doctor of Philosophy at UWA, including a high level of English language proficiency.

Please go to the Courses tab, choose Doctor of Philosophy and then choose 'Enquire here'. You'll be requested to create an account and then submit an enquiry.

Prof Antonio Celenza - profile | email