ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of cognitive impairment in elderly patients who underwent surgery and affecting factors.

The study was designed as a prospective and correlational study. It was interviewed with 36 patients on preoperative period, on postoperative day 1 and day 3. Data were collected by personal information form, Mini Mental State Examination and patient information file.

91.6% of patients with preoperative cognitive function were normal. Of up to 47.2% of patients on postoperative day 1, in 33.4% of patients on postoperative day 3, cognitive function was impaired. There was significant deterioration on cognitive functions of the patients who received general anesthesia (p=0.04). There was a significant relationship between cognitive impairment and increasing age (p=0.00). Significant changes in postoperative cognitive function of women was observed (p=0.00).

This study showed significant deterioration on cognitive functions of elderly patients in the post-operative period.

Keywords: Elderly patient, postoperative period, cognitive function