Perioperative neurocognitive disorders

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) refer to alterations in behavior, affect, and cognition that occasionally occur after anesthesia and surgery. PND is an overarching term that encompasses former classifications of perioperative cognitive derangements, such as postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). PND is a common postoperative complication associated with regional or general anesthesia and surgery, and it is the most common and least recognized complication of anesthesia and surgery in older patients. With the aging population and growing number of surgeries, PND has become a public health problem and attracted worldwide attention.

Recent research has focused on identifying risk factors and mitigation strategies for PND. The most consistently identified preoperative risk factors for developing PND include advanced age, pre-existing neurocognitive impairment, and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Mitigation strategies for PND include a holistic approach that encompasses preoperative optimization, intraoperative management, and postoperative care. Brain Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Brain-ERAS) protocols have been proposed as a way to mitigate PND in the perioperative period.

This Research Topic aims to provide advancements and novel perspectives in the field of PND. We welcome submissions on topics such as the pathophysiology of PND, diagnosis and prevention strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches. We encourage researchers from diverse backgrounds, including anesthesiology, neurology, geriatrics, psychology, and neuroscience, to submit their work. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date resource for clinicians and researchers working to mitigate the impact of PND on patients undergoing surgery and anesthesia.