Prognostic Factors Associated With Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Surgery

Delineating Neurocognitive Prognostic Factors Associated With Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After General or Neuraxial Anesthesia Utilizing the CogState Brief Battery

A longitudinal observational study examining preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors associated with Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in patients older than the age of 50.

A longitudinal observational study examining factors associated with Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) utilizing a computerized neurocognitive battery. In addition, investigators seek to assess the presence of pre-existing psychiatric disorders and chronic pain to determine their relationship with POCD. The study will seek to compare the rates of POCD in previously published literature with performance on a computerized neurocognitive battery. In addition, the study will seek to determine preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors associated with POCD by comparing these variables to performance on a computerized neurocognitive battery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ability to perform informed consent
2. Age greater than 50 years old
3. Ability to read and understand English
4. Undergoing elective surgery with general or neuraxial anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who do not meet above defined criteria, patients from vulnerable populations (adults unable to consent, pregnant women, prisoners), patients refusing informed consent and participation in the study.
2. A previous history of the following medical conditions: dementia of any kind (vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, organic brain disease with documented cognitive deficits, severe traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, senility)
3. Physical impairment impairing their ability to perform neurocognitive testing incl. essential tremor, loss of upper extremity motor function, blindness, or severe hearing loss)