Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Ciprofol on Perioperative Neurocognitive Function in Elderly Patients Undergoing Daytime Surgery

As life expectancy increases, the rate of disability among elderly individuals is also rising. Elderly patients undergoing home-based rehabilitation after surgery without medical supervision may experience complications and adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, or bleeding, which can impair recovery of daily living functions and commonly lead to readmission after discharge-particularly in older adults with multiple comorbidities, declining physical function, or cognitive impairment, who face a higher risk. Postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is common following anesthesia and surgery, affecting up to 65% of adults aged 65 and older, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most patients do not undergo baseline or follow-up neuropsychological testing during the perioperative period or afterward, limiting the identification and early intervention for PND. With increasing life expectancy and a growing number of elderly patients undergoing surgery, the incidence of PND is expected to continue rising, primarily manifesting as declines in memory, attention, information processing, and cognitive flexibility. Current clinical studies suggest that advanced age, low educational level, pre-existing cognitive impairment, and alcohol and/or substance abuse are strong risk factors for developing PND. The perioperative period represents a critical window for identifying and assessing PND.