Patients in Ohio hospitals can be at risk of hospital negligence. According to a new study, those patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease are particularly at risk. In fact, the study found that the consequences of a hospital stay could even be catastrophic.

For one, people with dementia are more likely to be hospitalized. Many times Alzheimer's patients go to the hospital for conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, chest pain, dehydration, fainting and falls. In fact, the study followed a sample of high-functioning Alzheimer's patients living at home and found that about half of them entered the hospital.

Secondly, a quarter of these patients also suffered delirium, or a heightened state of confusion, during the hospital stay. If the patient did suffer delirium, then their risk of deteriorating health increased.

For example, one woman suffered a brief seizure during a hospital stay, and then she was not allowed to be discharged by the hospital. Medical staff then prescribed antipsychotic drugs. The woman's daughter insisted her mother be discharged. Finally, while at home, the woman was able to calm down and stop taking the medications.

What can explain the risks associated with hospital stays and negative effects on certain patients? Apparently, there are no good answers. Hospitals are naturally scary places, but for people with dementia the fear may be understandably heightened. Could it be related to hospital negligence and the inability of medical staff to adequately provide a safe environment for their patients? Possibly, but the answer to that question often requires careful analysis of all of the facts and circumstances surrounding an individual's hospitalization.

Source: Star Tribune, "HEALTHBEAT: Study finds often preventable hospital stays are risky for Alzheimer's patients," Lauran NeerGaard, June 18, 2012