Traditionally psychomotor subtypes have been investigated in patients with delirium in different settings and it has been found that those with hypoactive type is the largest proportion, often missed and with the worst outcomes.

We examined the psychomotor subtypes in an older age inpatients population, the effects that observed clinical variables have on psychomotor subtypes and their association with one year mortality.

Prospective study. Participants were assessed using the scales CAM, APACHE II, MoCA, Barthel Index and DRS-R98. Pre-existing dementia was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. Psychomotor subtypes were evaluated using the two relevant items of DRS-R98. Mortality rates were investigated one year after admission day.

The sample consisted of 200 participants [mean age 81.1 ± 6.5; 50% female; pre-existing cognitive impairment in 126 (63%)]. Thirty-four (17%) were identified with delirium (CAM+). Motor subtypes of the entire sample was: none: 119 (59.5%), hypo: 37 (18.5%), mixed: 15 (7.5%) and hyper: 29 (14.5%). Hypoactive and mixed subtype were significantly more frequent to delirious patients than to those without delirium, and none subtype more often to those without delirium. There was no difference in the hyperactive subtype between those with and without delirium. Hypoactive subtype was significant associated with delirium and lower scores in MoCA (cognition), while mixed was associated mainly with delirium. Predictors for one-year mortality were lower MoCA scores and severity of illness.

Psychomotor disturbances are not unique to delirium. Hypoactivity, this “silent epidemic” is also part of a deteriorated cognition.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.