Alex Bekker

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, USA

Title: Postoperative Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

Biography

Abstract

The brain is vulnerable during the perioperative period. Neurobehavioral disturbances are common complications of surgery, manifesting in three distinct forma: emergence delirium, postoperative delirium, and POCD. The relationship between these conditions has yet to be fully elucidated. Although not limited to geriatric patients, the incidence and impact of both are more profound in geriatric population. Delirium has been shown to be associated with longer and more costly hospital course and higher likelihood of death within 6 months or postoperative institutionalization. POCD is a condition characterized by deterioration of cognitive performance after surgery presenting as impaired memory and/or concentration. Perioperative physiological derangements (e.g. hypotension), anesthetics, duration of surgery, respiratory complications have been suggested as possible causes, but only age and limited education has proven to be consistent risk factors in most studies. Current research suggests that patients with preoperative cognitive impairment are at higher risk for POCD because of their already compromised status and their potential vulnerability to worsen into dementia due to a less cognitive reserve. In this presentation, we review the definitions, etiology, prevention and treatment of both disorders in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.