For older adults, undergoing a medical procedure or surgery commonly involves some inherent risks, but there is a little-known effect impacting a significant number of seniors after surgery that we all must be informed about: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of older adults during the days or possibly weeks immediately after non-cardiac surgery, and can present with a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be almost indiscernible: forgetfulness, lack of concentration and focus, as well as other forms of cognitive problems that impact quality of life.
Research points to the medical procedure itself together with the associated stress, rather than anesthesia, as the culprit in POCD. According to Dr. Roderic Eckenhoff, vice chair for research and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania professor of anesthesiology, “Most surgery causes peripheral inflammation. In young people, the brain remains largely isolated from that inflammation, but with older people, our blood-brain barrier becomes kind of leaky. That contributes to neuroinflammation, which activates a whole cascade of events in the brain that can accelerate the ongoing aging process.”
There are still many unknowns to be investigated to discover specifically how to prevent and/or effectively treat POCD, such as how to successfully measure it with precision, how to discover whether it results in a continuum of brain disorders post-surgery or is possibly a standalone issue, and how to distinguish it from typical brain functionality later in life. Researchers are currently trying to more effectively gain an understanding of POCD, with a variety of scientific publications getting ready to release the newest discoveries and developments at a future POCD summit.
While usually a temporary condition, POCD is a risk factor that should be talked about with the doctor ahead of surgery for an older adult, particularly if the senior has existing cognitive concerns. And for all seniors undergoing surgery, it’s wise to refrain from tasks that are cognitively demanding for thirty days following surgery.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care is the ideal post-procedure partner for providing seniors the chance to rest and fully recover from surgery, providing personalized, in-home help with a multitude of tasks. Whether the need is for help with household chores and meals during recovery, picking up prescription refills and groceries, light housework and organization around the house, or help with personal care, safe ambulation and fall prevention, we’re available for as much or as little care as necessary. Give us a call at (630) 323-4665 or contact us online for more information and to set up a free in-home assessment to ascertain how exactly we can best assist your senior family member for with our Hinsdale home care services.