Adverse cognitive effects of general anaesthesia in young and elderly patients.

For many years, reports have appeared indicating cognitive deficits in elderly patients following anaesthesia. However, there is no general consensus of opinion concerning the putative relationship between these deficits and the anaesthetic process. In a prospective study, 85 patients undergoing elective surgery were assessed on a battery of standardized cognitive tests, 1 day before and 2 days after surgery. Analysis of results indicated that anaesthesia does produce post-operative cognitive deficits in both young and elderly patients, and a possible causative mechanism is discussed.