Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and the Protective Effects of Enriched Environment: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Anesthesiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an increasing concern due to rising surgical rates.
• POCD affects both cardiac and noncardiac surgery patients, particularly the elderly.
• Surgical, patient, and anesthetic factors contribute to POCD development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of POCD.
• To analyze the potential molecular influence of enriched environments (EE) on POCD.
• To explore EE as a therapeutic direction for POCD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on POCD.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking neuroinflammation and POCD.
• Exploration of enriched environment (EE) effects on neurodegenerative disease models.

Main Results:

• Central nervous system inflammatory response during surgery is a key POCD mechanism, similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• Enriched environments (EE) show potential in preventing and improving neurodegenerative diseases.
• EE may offer a beneficial effect on POCD at the molecular level.

Conclusions:

• Understanding POCD mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Enriched environments (EE) present a promising avenue for mitigating POCD.
• Further research into EE's molecular impact could guide novel POCD treatments.