It does not appear to be caused by lack of oxygen or impaired blood flow to the brain[3] and is equally likely under regional and general anesthesia.
Various research initiatives during recent years have evaluated whether actions taken before, during and after surgery can lessen the possible deleterious effects of inflammation.
Several studies have shown variable-significance positive effects when a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach to elderly patient is followed during pre, peri and post-operative care.
[5][7] The release of stress hormones during surgery, ischemia, or hypoxemia may also play a role in causing postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
"A project examining adults 55 and older who have major non-cardiac surgeries is finding that 'upward of 30 percent of patients is testing significantly worse than their baseline 3 months later'".
[9] Research interest has increased since early 2000, especially as more elderly patients are able to undergo successful minor and major surgeries.