Using a simple bedside assessment to predict hospital mortality in older adults with dementia: findings from the multicenter CHANGE Study

In a large cohort of hospitalized older adults with dementia, lower ESS scores were strongly associated with increased in-hospital mortality. These findings suggest that a simple bedside scale initially designed to assess pressure sore risk may also be a valuable tool for identifying those at heightened risk of death. Incorporating ESS into routine dementia care could enhance clinical decision-making and guide targeted interventions to improve hospital outcomes in this vulnerable population.