Postoperative outcomes of perioperative cognitive training: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether surgical patients can really benefit from cognitive training. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of cognitive training in this population.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was performed in four databases: PubMed (Medline), Web of Science and Cochrane database, from inception to September 2024, on topics related to cognitive training in surgical persons.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eighteen studies were eventually included. compared to the control group, cognitive training group significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.94) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.95). There was improvement of anxiety (SMD: -1.87; 95% CI: -3.40, -0.35), depression (SMD: -1.17; 95% CI: -2.00, -0.34), and quality of life (SMD: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.22, 1.34). However, there was no statistical significance in cognitive function scores (SMD: 0.65; 95% CI: -0.97, 2.28), and memory scores (SMD: 1.09; 95% CI: -0.11, 2.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive training had a positive impact on postoperative delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among surgical patients. The application of cognitive training should be expanded to perioperative patients.