12: Neurocognitive Dysfunction After Sedation with Dr. Seyed Safavynia

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a group of cognitive disorders that manifest in relation to surgery and anesthesia (Evered et al., 2018a) and encompass former classifications of perioperative cognitive impairments, including postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). PND are common following anesthesia and surgery, affecting up to 65% of adults over age 65 years (Rudolph and Marcantonio, 2011).

In this episode, we discuss:

What post operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is and the shift towards new nomenclature that aligns with the DSM-V and new ICD-10 codes.

Risk factors for developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND).

What therapists can do to contribute to a proactive interdisciplinary approach to manage perioperative neurocognitive disorders when they do occur.

A proposed brain ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) protocol to reduce the risk of PND.