title: Anesthesia and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
abstract: POCD describes a decline in cognitive function after surgery with a predominance in the elderly patient. Although there is general agreement that POCD is likely to be multifactorial, whether its occurrence is a result of the effects of surgery or general anesthesia remains unclear. This review provides a synopsis of the available clinical and preclinical data and summarizes recent research relevant to the occurrence of POCD and possible pharmacologic algorithms for its prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Technische Universität München, Klinik rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jungwirth
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zieglgänsberger
authors.forename: Eberhard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kochs
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rammes
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors