Determining memory changes in elderly candidates for elective tibial plate implantation surgery under spinal anesthesia

Abstract

Memory changes can be a precursor to cognitive disorders such as delirium, dementia, and memory loss, and assessing these changes can lead to preventive measures. Moreover, the most significant memory alterations following surgery occur in the elderly, highlighting the need for preventive actions. Considering the importance of this issue and the points mentioned, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of regional anesthesia with bupivacaine on memory impairment in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 135 patients were included. After the administration of spinal anesthesia, the patients were placed in a supine position and provided with supplemental oxygen via an oxygen mask. A data collection form was prepared for each patient, recording the following information: age, gender, ASA classification, type of surgery, duration of surgery, and hemodynamic status (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation) every 3 minutes, maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressure, maximum heart rate, minimum systolic and diastolic blood pressure, minimum heart rate, duration of anesthesia, and the Wechsler Memory Test both 24 hours before and 24 hours after surgery. The Wechsler Memory Test, an objective scale for memory assessment, was used to evaluate the main variable of the study. Results: Overall memory significantly declined 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.014). Additionally, a significant change was observed in Wechsler subscales, including logical memory (P = 0.001), digit span (P = 0.047), and visual memory (P = 0.048), when compared to preoperative scores.