Changes in cognitive function from presurgery to 4 months postsurgery in individuals undergoing dysvascular...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Lower extremity amputations, often due to diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, can impact cognitive function.
• Understanding cognitive changes is crucial for patient recovery and rehabilitation.
• Pre-surgical cognitive status in amputees is not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess cognitive function in individuals undergoing lower extremity amputation at three key time points: before surgery, six weeks post-surgery, and four months post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 80 male veterans undergoing first lower extremity amputation.
• Cognitive function was evaluated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and four neuropsychological tests.
• Data collection occurred pre-surgically, at six weeks, and at four months post-amputation.

Main Results:

• Most participants demonstrated cognitive scores in the low average to average range.
• Overall cognitive status improved from pre-surgery to six weeks post-surgery and remained stable thereafter.
• Significant improvements in verbal learning and memory were observed pre- to post-surgery, with sustained performance at four months.
• Higher perceived general health at four months correlated with better cognitive performance.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive performance is typically lowest before amputation surgery.
• While cognitive function improves after amputation, it tends to stabilize between six weeks and four months.
• Perceived general health is a significant factor associated with cognitive outcomes in amputees.