The study also shows a significant correlation between cognitive decline and a person's ability to perform routine daily living activities such as shopping, house work and bodily care, though the cause-effect relationship has not been established.The International Study of Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction (ISPOCD).
"The cognitive decline exists, and it is disturbing," Gravenstein said. "It may, in fact, be pushing some people from independence to dependence because they are no longer able to care for themselves."
Researchers disproved their original theory that low blood pressure and lower levels of oxygen in the blood - occasional postoperative conditions monitored during the study - could be linked to cognitive decline. The study, however, failed to pinpoint an exact cause for the decline.
"The exact cause may be very complex," Gravenstein said. "The anesthetic, other drugs and the specific operation could all play a role. We just won't know until we complete further studies."
Bypassing the full facts on heart surgery.
It is now known that post-operative mental deficits may occur with other major surgical procedures as well. After following up on 1,218 patients, another respected journal, The Lancet, reported 'unequivocally' in March 1998 that 'anaesthesia and surgery cause long-term post-operative cognitive decline in the elderly'.Post-Op Fevers and Cognitive Decline.
Acute Confusional State.
Minimental Status Exam.
It's a scary situation to be in, but sometimes lots of fluids, a bag of blood and some Potassium does the trick!
Feed a fever.