Persistent cognitive impairment is a major complication of critical illness. Our knowledge of this problem remains incomplete.

Collaborative research is indispensable to improve our understanding of this disabling sequel and to identify ways to prevent it.

Estimates of the incidence of persistent cognitive impairment after critical illness vary widely across studies but the most solid prospective information indicates that it may occur in 20–40% of patients discharged from the ICU.

From the available evidence, it is difficult to discriminate between de novo cognitive impairment and exacerbation of preexistent cognitive decline.

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