Duration of MV, greater administration of sedative drugs, age > 65, physical immobility, physical restraint, low APACHE II score, sepsis, hypertension, low level of hemoglobin at hospital admission, smoking, alcohol consumption (> 2 drinks daily), and low albumin concentration at ICU admission were risk factors identified either for delirium during hospitalization or for long-term cognitive impairment after hospital discharge. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is Hypertension.