Cognitive Prehabilitation: How Can We Counter Neurocognitive Frailty?

Adam Fink; Michelle Humeidan; Itay Bentov

doi:10.1016/j.euf.2023.11.005

Cognitive Prehabilitation: How Can We Counter Neurocognitive Frailty?

Eur Urol Focus. 2024 Jan;10(1):16-19. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.11.005. Epub 2023 Nov 27.

Authors

Adam Fink¹, Michelle Humeidan², Itay Bentov³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
² Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
³ Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address: itayb@uw.edu.

PMID: 38016834
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.11.005

Abstract

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders are common and concerning complications in older adults undergoing surgery that can manifest as acute or chronic cognitive decline. It is hypothesized that cognitive prehabilitation can prepare the brain for the stress of surgery as for any other organ system. In this mini review we discuss the rationale for using cognitive prehabilitation, some of the interventions that have been assessed, and the effects of these interventions on postoperative cognition. PATIENT SUMMARY: Training the brain before surgery can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline after surgery in older adults. This mini review discusses some of the trials that examined how to train the brain before surgery and the results from these trials.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Perioperative neurocognitive disorders; Prehabilitation; Preoperative.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Cognition
Cognitive Dysfunction* / prevention & control
Frailty* / complications
Humans
Preoperative Exercise