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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The DEAR (Delirium Elderly At Risk) score is a short delirium-risk screen commonly used around surgery and acute-care admission in older adults. It typically combines baseline cognitive vulnerability, sensory impairment, functional dependence, and substance-use-related vulnerability. Higher totals suggest increased delirium risk and support targeted prevention bundles.
Formula: DEAR total = sum of 4 binary risk items (0-4). Common elevated-risk threshold is >=2.
Higher DEAR scores indicate greater delirium vulnerability and support early prevention-oriented care pathways.
Use in older adults before surgery or during acute-care intake to identify patients needing enhanced delirium prevention and surveillance.
Cutoffs and variable definitions may vary by local protocol; DEAR should complement, not replace, direct delirium monitoring.
For related assessments, see CAM Delirium Screen, ISAR Score and Clinical Frailty Scale.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Screen for delirium using the CAM (Confusion Assessment Method). Gold standard with ~94% sensitivity and ~89% specificity. Requires acute onset + inattention, plus disorganized thinking or altered consciousness.
GeriatricsRapid emergency/acute-care screening for older-adult risk using the 6-item ISAR tool (score 0-6).
GeriatricsAssess frailty using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS 1–9): Very Fit to Terminally Ill. Used for ICU triage, surgical risk stratification, and goals-of-care discussions in elderly patients.
GeriatricsScreen for possible cognitive impairment using delayed 3-word recall plus clock drawing (score 0-5).