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Exposure to anaesthetic agents, cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology in the elderly
Author(s)Marie-Laure Ancelin, Guilhem de Roquefeuil, Bernard Ledésert
Journal titleThe British Journal of Psychiatry, vol 178, April 2001
Pagespp 360-366
KeywordsSurgery ; Depression ; Mental ageing ; Evaluation ; France.
AnnotationAnaesthesia could provoke persistent alterations in specific cognitive domains in older people, where ageing-related neuronal changes may exacerbate pharmacotoxic effects. 140 French patients aged over 64 completed a full range of computerised cognitive tests. The study takes into account effects of pre-operative cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptomatology, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Post-operative cognitive decline persisted for up to three months in 56% of subjects. Dysfunction was limited to verbal, visuo-spatial and semantic abilities, and to secondary and implicit memory. Age, low educational level, pre-operative cognitive impairment or depression are risk factors. Cognitive functions are not equally affected, type of impairment being determined by the risk factors described, and anaesthesia type. (RH).
Accession NumberCPA-010418201 A
ClassmarkLKA: ENR: D6: 4C: 765

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