Should general anaesthesia be avoided in the elderly?

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

  • C Strøm
  • L S Rasmussen
  • F E Sieber

Surgery and anaesthesia exert comparatively greater adverse effects on the elderly than on the younger brain, manifest by the higher prevalence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction. Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction delay rehabilitation, and are associated with increases in morbidity and mortality among elderly surgical patients. We review the aetiology of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with a particular focus on anaesthesia and sedation, discuss methods of diagnosing and monitoring postoperative cognitive decline, and describe the treatment strategies by which such decline may be prevented.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAnaesthesia
Volume69 Suppl 1
Pages (from-to)35-44
Number of pages10
ISSN0003-2409
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

    Research areas

  • Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anesthesia, General, Cognition Disorders, Delirium, Geriatric Assessment, Humans, Postoperative Complications, Risk Factors

ID: 138807980