Conference paper
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT FOLLOWING USE OF ANAESTHETIC AGENTS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRACTICE
Arjun Nesaratnam
; Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Nisha Nesaratnam
; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Mark Agius
; Clare College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that both inhalational and intravenous anaesthetics are associated with cognitive decline, particularly in
the elderly. Of particular concern, is the phenomenon known as post-operative cognitive decline (POCD), characterised by a
transient impairment of memory, concentration, language comprehension and social integration. Implicated in the pathophysiology
of POCD is the accumulation of Aβ peptide, and inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission. Currently used anaesthetic agents
differ in their propensity for causing POCD as a result of their differing pharmacological profiles. Coupled with increasing
knowledge of patient susceptibility factors, this information allows for modification of clinical practice to minimise the long-term
disability that may otherwise accompany POCD.
Keywords
post-operative cognitive dysfunction; anaesthesia; neurotoxicity
Hrčak ID:
265683
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2014.
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