Geriatric Orthopedics and Challenges with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose of Review To examine the literature to identify the optimal methods to manage patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the perioperative period. Recent Findings Several studies have identified the risk of delirium and other postoperative complications in patients with dementia and other cognitive disorders. Recent studies have shown a significant impact in performance on measures assessing processing speed and inhibitory function which can continue to have their effect after several years of surgery. Little research has been published that specifically focuses on elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. An optimal treatment plan cannot be formed based on the available literature. Since the elderly with cognitive disorders such as MCI and dementia typically are accompanied by multiple comorbidities as well as impaired mobility, the physician should focus not only on treating the orthopedic problem but also on the patient. Further research on this specific topic is needed.