Cohort Study of Risk Factors for Postoperative Cognitive Decline

Overview

Presently, the role of either genetic factors or biological sex in the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is unknown. There is a critical need to determine which individuals are at high-risk for developing POCD by virtue of biological sex or genetic predisposition. The knowledge gained in the described research has the potential to shed light on mechanistic pathways, a necessary next step in order to ultimately identify therapeutic strategies.

Adults 65 years and older represent the fastest-growing age group in the United States, and account for one third of all surgical patients. These older adults are at the highest risk for deleterious postoperative neurocognitive outcomes. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs in up to 40% of older adults after major non-cardiac surgery. POCD is a syndrome characterized by a decrease in performance on neuropsychological test battery from before to after surgery. Neuropsychological testing for POCD typically spans cognitive domains including memory, attention, concentration, and/or executive function. There is an increasing body of literature suggesting that exposure to surgery and anesthesia increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Surgery and anesthesia enhance neuropathologic changes known to underlie AD including amyloid beta accumulation and aggregation, neuroinflammation, increased levels of tau and tau phosphorylation, and memory decline. However, not everyone with a history of surgery and anesthesia develops POCD, suggesting biological risk factors are involved.

Conditions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes