Constantin BODOLEA, Natalia HAGAU , Ioan COMAN,
Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sebastian PINTEA, Ioana Alina CRISTEA,
Babes Bolyai University, Cluj Napoca, Romania
Tudor CRISTEA,
Municipal Hospital Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sanda NEGRUTIU
Nicolaie Stancioiu Heart Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract

The aim of the article is to review the latest progresses in the research of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after cardiac and noncardiac surgery in elderly patients.

While it is not yet possible to provide definite answers to some questions regarding POCD and additional work is required before a complete understanding of the mechanisms involved, we investigate the definition criteria for POCD, its incidence, medical complications and the social impact of POCD following anaesthesia and surgery. The article also reviews the POCD risk factors and the recent advances in identifying specific POCD biomarkers as well as the vulnerable cognitive areas of POCD and the neuropsychological instruments most frequently used to define and to survey the long-term follow-up of POCD.

Keywords: cognitive dysfunction, neuropsychological tests, elderly