Exposure to anaesthetic agents, cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology in the elderly

Abstract

BackgroundAnaesthesia could provoke persistent alterations in specific cognitive domains in the elderly where ageing-related neuronal changes may exacerbate pharmacotoxic effects.AimsTo evaluate anaesthesia effects on the incidence of cognitive dysfunction after orthopaedic surgery in elderly patients.MethodA total of 140 patients over the age of 64 years completed a full range of computerised cognitive tests. The study takes into account effects of pre-operative cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptomatology and ability to perform activities of daily living.ResultsPostoperative cognitive decline persisted for up to 3 months in 56% of subjects. Dysfunction was limited to verbal, visuo-spatial and semantic abilities and secondary and implicit memory. Age, low educational level, pre-operative cognitive impairment or depression are risk factors.ConclusionsCognitive functions are not equally affected, type of impairment being determined by the risk factors described above and anaesthesia type.