2 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
W
ith an esti-
mated
10,000
baby boomers retiring
every day, surgical
facilities need to pre-
pare for the wave of
older patients headed
for the OR. When it
comes to anesthesia,
our geriatric patients
have very specific
needs that differ from the rest of the patient population.
We're still learning about the changes that happen to the aging brain,
but we know older patients are at heightened risk for post-operative
cognitive dysfunction, confusion and delirium. That cloudy, months-
long brain fog is a very real concern, and we can do better to identify
the patients at risk. Among our older patients, we hear a consistent
post-operative refrain: "Something just isn't right" or "I just don't feel
like myself."
As ORs across the country brace for the gray tsunami, the American
Society of Anesthesiologists and AARP have launched a Brain Health
Initiative that's focused on guiding patients over 65 through the phas-
es before, during and after surgery. Here are 3 steps to make sure
you're helping your older patients through surgery and reducing their
risk of post-operative delirium and cognitive dysfunction.
Pointers to Prevent Post-op Delirium
Protect older patients from anesthesia-induced brain fog.
Anesthesia Alert
Lee Fleisher, MD
• CAREFUL GUIDANCE Thorough screening, patient orientation after surgery and
medication management can protect seniors from post-op delirium and memory
loss.
