Study of Dexmedetomidine and Magnesium Sulfate to Prevent Cognitive Problems After Surgery in Older Adults Aged 60 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate on postoperative cognitive dysfunction POCD in elderly patients aged 60 to 80 undergoing open abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. POCD is a condition causing changes in thinking and mental functions after surgery, with a higher risk in older adults due to increased sensitivity to anesthetic drugs and other physiological changes. This study also examines the impact of these drugs on serum levels of C-reactive protein CRP, a marker linked to neuronal degeneration and inflammation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine or magnesium sulfate during their surgery. The dexmedetomidine group will receive a bolus dose of 0.5 micrograms per kilogram over 10 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by an infusion at 0.3 micrograms per kilogram per hour until the skin closure. The magnesium sulfate group will receive a loading dose of 20 milligrams per kilogram over 10 minutes before induction, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 milligrams per kilogram per hour until skin closure. During the study, researchers will monitor participants for the incidence of POCD 24 hours after surgery and measure CRP levels to explore their correlation with cognitive changes. Participants will be assessed through clinical evaluations before and after surgery. The study includes careful monitoring of inflammatory markers and neuronal injury proteins to understand the neuroprotective effects of the treatments. Total participation involves the perioperative period with follow-up at 24 hours post-operation.

Dexmedetomidine and Magnesium Sulfate in the Reduction Cognitive Dysfunction in Geriatrics