Identifying older patients at risk of experiencing cognitive dysfunction after surgery can now be done with a simple EEG measurement.
Researchers at Duke Health have found that this non-invasive brainwave measurement can help predict which patients are vulnerable to post-operative confusion and attention problems.
Cognitive dysfunction after surgery affects about half of seemingly normal older adults. Pre-existing cognitive impairment is the biggest predictor of post-operative impairment, but it can be challenging to detect with traditional screening tests.
The Duke team used an EEG test to measure a change in brain electrical patterns called alpha oscillations. These patterns change when a person closes and then opens their eyes.
The decrease in alpha oscillations during this process, known as alpha attenuation, can reveal cognitive vulnerability that cannot be disguised or compensated for by patients.
The study involved 71 patients over the age of 60 who were not undergoing neurological or cardiac procedures. The EEG test successfully detected which patients would experience postoperative inattention and helped identify the extent of the problem.
While the exact cause of cognitive impairments after surgery remains unclear, identifying at-risk patients can help clinicians take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of postoperative inattention and delirium.
This simple test may also provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying neurocognitive vulnerability and resilience.
In summary, a quick preoperative EEG test that measures alpha attenuation when patients close and open their eyes can help predict and assess post-operative cognitive dysfunction in older patients.
This valuable tool can aid in better preparing patients for potential complications after surgery.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
The research findings can be found in British Journal of Anaesthesia.
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