After his 18-day ICU stay and ventilator treatment, lawyer Joseph Masterson faces lasting physical weakness, memory loss and depression—symptoms known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). More than half of ICU survivors experience muscle loss, delirium, cognitive deficits and mental health struggles, prompting some hospitals to open dedicated recovery clinics.

• More than half of the 5 million Americans admitted to ICUs annually develop post-intensive care syndrome, involving physical weakness, cognitive deficits, and mental health issues.
• Only about half of ICU patients over 70 regain their pre-ICU level of function within six months.
• Around 35 hospitals have opened dedicated post-ICU recovery clinics using lighter sedation, early mobilization, and multidisciplinary rehab to curb PICS symptoms.
• ICU survivors like Masterson can face lasting memory loss and depression even months after physical therapy restores basic mobility and speech.