Work

Should general anaesthesia be avoided in the elderly?

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Surgery and anaesthesia exert comparatively greater adverse effects on the elderly than on the younger brain, manifest by the higher prevalence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction. Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction delay rehabilitation, and are associated with increases in morbidity and mortality among elderly surgical patients. We review the aetiology of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with a particular focus on anaesthesia and sedation, discuss methods of diagnosing and monitoring postoperative cognitive decline, and describe the treatment strategies by which such decline may be prevented.

Source: Anaesthesia

DOI: 10.1111/anae.12493

Authors: C. Strøm, L. S. Rasmussen, F. E. Sieber

Institutions: Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging