[Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in geriatric patients].

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction occurs in geriatric patients after major operations and influences morbidity and mortality of these patients. Clinical observations and neuropsychological tests can be used to diagnose cognitive disorders after an operation. Until today no specific medical treatment is known for the therapy of cognitive dysfunctions after an operation and, therefore, in high risk patients perioperative preventive measures is the only way to decrease the incidence and extend of this disease.