Post-Operative Cognitive Impairment: A Cognitive Epidemiology Perspective

Abstract

Cognitive epidemiology investigates cognitive predictors of health and disease outcomes. Post-operative cognitive impairment is a common complication of surgery but has been neglected as a health outcome in cognitive epidemiology research. This is despite the fact that knowledge of cognitive predictors of post-operative cognitive impairment can be utilized for risk stratification, informed decision-making (in elective surgery), and personalized care of patients during the postoperative period. In this narrative review, the current literature on cognitive predictors of post-operative cognitive impairment and gaps therein are summarized.

Keywords

• cognitive epidemiology
• cognitive ageing
• pre-morbid IQ
• education
• post-operative cognitive impairment
• surgery