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Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Translational Brain Mapping at the University of Rochester Medical Center: Preserving the Mind Through Personalized Brain Mapping
Published on: August 12, 2019
Perioperative Evaluation of Brain Health
Carolina S Romero1, Richard D Urman2, Markus M Luedi3
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital General Universitario De Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Research Methods Department, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Insights
Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a growing concern in aging populations. A brain health assessment initiative can help mitigate PND risks and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- The global population is aging, leading to increased surgical demands.
- Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), encompassing cognitive changes around surgery, are a significant clinical concern.
- PND includes neurocognitive disorders, postoperative delirium, and delayed neurocognitive recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the concept of a brain health assessment initiative for managing PND.
- To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing PND.
- To outline key assessment areas for mitigating PND risks.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a comprehensive brain health assessment.
- Utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach.
- Evaluating cognitive function, comorbidities, and other patient factors.
Main Results:
- Early identification of risk factors for PND.
- Personalized intervention strategies based on comprehensive assessments.
- Potential for improved patient outcomes and reduced PND incidence.
Conclusions:
- A proactive brain health assessment is crucial for managing PND in the aging surgical population.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration enhances the effectiveness of PND risk mitigation.
- Comprehensive assessment of cognitive, medical, and lifestyle factors can significantly improve surgical outcomes.
Abstract:
As the global population is aging and surgical needs rise, the occurrence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) is becoming a significant concern. PND refers to cognitive changes that occur before or after surgery, including neurocognitive disorders, postoperative delirium, and delayed neurocognitive recovery. To address this issue, a brain health assessment initiative within a multidisciplinary team is an emerging concept. Assessing cognitive function, comorbidities, severity of neurocognitive disorders, medications, nutritional status, sleep quality, and other factors can help mitigate the risk of PND and improve patient outcomes.

