Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly: A Literature Review

Abstract

The increasing number of older adults undergoing surgery poses significant challenges for clinicians involved in perioperative care, particularly regarding the risk of postoperative cognitive impairment. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in the elderly is notably more prevalent and associated with poor outcomes, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. As neuroinflammation has been described as a fundamental mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases, this literature review summarizes the role of neuroinflammation in relation to surgical stress and age-related changes, identifies risk factors, with emphasis on preventive care through comprehensive assesment, prehabilitation and optimisation during the perioperative period to preserve cognitive function.