The Postoperative Effects of Anesthesia Exposure on Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Background:: As modern medicine continues to make strides in effective surgical treatments, we must also consider the critical impact of anesthesia on neuropsychological outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that anesthesia exposure may be a risk factor for postoperative cognitive decline and the eventual development of dementia. Objectives:: To explore the vulnerability of the aging brain in the context of anesthesia exposure in surgery, studies will be reviewed, and pertinent findings will be highlighted and explored to better understand risks and possible factors that need to be considered when contemplating surgery. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a combination of MEDLINE and APA PsycINFO databases to shed light on themes across studies assessing general trends regarding the influence of anesthesia on postoperative cognitive decline. Results:: A search of relevant literature identified 388 articles. Excluding results outside the parameters of this study, the review includes quality assessments for 24 articles. Conclusion:: While findings are inconclusive, suggestions for further investigation into the relationship between anesthesia exposure and increased risk for postoperative cognitive decline are discussed, in addition to factors that may allow for greater informed disclosure of potential risks of anesthesia in older adults.