# Be ADEPT: An approach to the older patient with confusion or agitation About This Podcast Older adults often present to the ED for or with confusion or agitation. It is important to have a framework for assessing these patients, diagnosing the presence of delirium or dementia, looking for underlying causes, preventing worsening, treating the underlying condition, and sometimes treating the symptoms. The ADEPT tool is the newest one in a toolbox of resources being released by ACEP to provide quick access to basic clinical guides while on shift. This episode is introduced by former ACEP president, Sandy Schneider, and covers the details of the ADEPT tool. The ADEPT tool is the product of a collaborative effort on the part of a group of physicians with expertise in EM, geriatrics, psychiatric medications, with input from other outside specialists. Play the Episode https://youtu.be/KGsZVTh8fhU Key Points Always look for an underlying cause or causes in patients with delirium. In treating agitated patients, it is important to avoid causing harm. Many medications in doses that are used in younger agitated patients can cause prolonged sedation or even paradoxically worse agitation in older patients. American College of Emergency Physicians | Updated 2024 ADEPT Easy-to-use open-access tool for assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, management and prevention of confusion and agitation in the elderly patient. Visit ACEP to View Tool Disclosures Funding for the creation of the ADEPT tool was in part provided through a grant from the Allergan Foundation, and it was created with support from ACEP, the Coalition on Psychiatric emergencies, and the Emergency Medicine Foundation. Dr. Shenvi received funding through ACEP as part of the team creating the ADEPT tool. This entry was posted in Medications and Adverse Drug Events, Neurology and Psychiatry, Systems and Administration. Bookmark the permalink. Next, listen to Retiring the Term “Mechanical Fall” for Older Patients with Dr. Shan Liu. Play Episode View All Delirium Resources >