Peri-operative Cognitive Alterations and the Ageing Brain

Ntalouka MP, Arnaoutoglou E and Tzimas P

Department of Anesthesiology and Postoperative Intensive Care, University of Ioannina, Greece
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Thessaly, Greece

^*Correspondance to: Ntalouka MP 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2419

Abstract

Although uncertainties still remain about perioperative neuro-cognitive alterations, emerging literature proves promising regarding our understanding of this brain derangement. The malfunctioning aged Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) combined with the excessive neuro-inflammation hold the key role to neuro-cognitive deterioration. Aβ and Tau proteins may be effective biomarkers of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. Based on “perioperative cognitive trajectory” combined with geriatric syndrome known as “frailty” it seems quite reasonable to accept the postoperative cognition status as an example of a post hoc ergo propter hoc misattribution fallacy. Although future researches seem mandatory, most researchers suggest that we should focus on the improvement of patients’ peri-operative overall health

Keywords

Peri-operative cognition; Neurodegenerative disease; Frailty; Oxidative stress; Inflammation

Cite the article

Ntalouka MP, Arnaoutoglou E, Tzimas P. Peri-operative Cognitive Alterations and the Ageing Brain. Clin Surg. 2019;4: 2419.