Study Finds Link Between Surgery and Cognitive Decline in Seniors

Building on earlier research that showed a decline in mental function among patients who underwent heart surgery, a recent study conducted by researchers at Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Medical Center found that elderly patients who underwent major noncardiac surgery requiring anesthesia also experienced sustained declines in cognitive functioning, the Wall Street Journal reports. Researchers administered cognitive tests to 354 patients ages 60 and older before noncardiac surgery, at discharge, three months after surgery, and again two years later. The findings—which were recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in Las Vegas—showed that 59% of patients experienced cognitive decline at the time of discharge, 34% had a decrease in cognitive ability three months after surgery, and 42% showed a reduction in cognitive capabilities two years after surgery. The researchers say “the results illustrate a pattern where elderly patients experience measurable cognitive decline after major surgery, followed by initial improvement and a long-term decline.” They note that the study indicates that “cognitive decline at discharge is a strong predictor of a deficit after two years.” While the researchers note that surgery-related stress and anesthesia may contribute to a decline in mental function, further study is needed to determine the causes of the problem (Windham, 10/27).

This study could be a major reversal to previous articles and research that find that conventional CPB is the primary culprit in cognitive decline of our elderly patients. (HPI 10/27)