Studying Cognitive Recovery in People Aged 65 and Older After Planned or Urgent Cardiac Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating cognitive function, symptoms, and complaints after cardiac surgery in people aged 65 and older. The study aims to measure the incidence of postoperative cognitive decline, its relationship with factors like delirium and depression, and how it affects daily living and recovery. It also explores the experiences of close relatives during the recovery process. This observational study plans to include 220 participants undergoing planned cardiac surgery and their relatives, following them for six months after surgery. Participants will undergo neurocognitive testing using a digitized battery called Mindmore-P before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward. This battery measures verbal memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Participants will also be evaluated for postoperative delirium during their hospital stay. Both patients and their relatives will complete questionnaires about symptoms, functional status, fatigue, frailty, quality of life, and caregiver burden. During the study, researchers will assess cognitive changes, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and healthcare use. Data will be collected digitally, in person, or at the hospital. Analysis will include comparing cognitive test results to baseline and normative data to identify cognitive decline. Relatives perspectives on recovery and cognitive function will also be studied. The total participation lasts six months, with repeated assessments to understand recovery patterns and support needs.

Older People's Neurocognitive Recovery After Cardiac Surgery