Postoperative Delirium Prevention and Novel Cognitive Therapy Interventions

Purpose of Review This review briefly describes our current understanding of postoperative delirium and examines prevention strategies studied over the past 10 years. It also explores the role of computerized cognitive training and its potential use in the perioperative setting to prevent postoperative delirium. Recent Findings Computerized cognitive training is based on neuroplasticity theory and holds promise for improving cognitive function across a wide range of patient populations. Applying this technology in the perioperative setting is feasible in small cohorts, and prehabilitation with cognitive therapy before major surgery shows benefit in reducing postoperative delirium. Summary Postoperative delirium is a prevalent and serious complication associated with major surgery. Current prevention strategies vary in efficacy. Prehabilitation with computerized cognitive training is a novel therapy that may increase cognitive reserve and protect vulnerable patients from developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders.