Title: Anesthesia and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD)
VOLUME: 9 ISSUE: 14
Author(s):Bettina Jungwirth, Walter Zieglgansberger, Eberhard Kochs and Gerhard Rammes
Affiliation:Department of Anesthesiology,Technische Universitat Munchen, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Munich,Germany.
Abstract: POCD describes a decline in cognitive function after surgery with a predominance in the elderly patient. Although there is general agreement that POCD is likely to be multifactorial, it remains unclear whether its occurrence is a result of the effects of surgery or general anesthesia. This review provides a synopsis of the available clinical and preclinical data and summarizes recent research relevant to the occurrence of POCD and possible pharmacologic algorithms for its prevention and treatment.
