Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication among elderly patients following surgical procedures, significantly impairing postoperative recovery and quality of life. The selection and dosage of intraoperative anaesthetic drugs are frequently implicated as contributing factors...

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Main Authors: Yuanbin Cai, Fan Yu, Wei Wu, Wurong Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Physiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1508661/full
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author Yuanbin Cai
Fan Yu
Wei Wu
Wurong Chen
author_facet Yuanbin Cai
Fan Yu
Wei Wu
Wurong Chen
author_sort Yuanbin Cai
collection DOAJ
description Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication among elderly patients following surgical procedures, significantly impairing postoperative recovery and quality of life. The selection and dosage of intraoperative anaesthetic drugs are frequently implicated as contributing factors in the development of POCD. In recent years, dexmedetomidine (DEX), a novel α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been increasingly utilized in surgical anaesthesia for elderly patients, showing potential as both a preventive and therapeutic agent for POCD. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on the mechanisms by which DEX affects POCD in the elderly. Additionally, it explores DEX’s mechanisms of action in the context of neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and analgesia. The objective is to provide reliable theoretical support and a reference point for the clinical application of DEX in POCD among the elderly, thereby promoting its broader use in clinical practice to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-8ff67f26c9bd420db5cbecc3227410b42025-08-20T02:04:37ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physiology1664-042X2025-03-011610.3389/fphys.2025.15086611508661Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly peopleYuanbin Cai0Fan Yu1Wei Wu2Wurong Chen3Department of Anesthesiology, Putuo District Central Hospital, Shanghai, ChinaSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, ChinaSchool of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Anesthesiology, Putuo District Central Hospital, Shanghai, ChinaPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication among elderly patients following surgical procedures, significantly impairing postoperative recovery and quality of life. The selection and dosage of intraoperative anaesthetic drugs are frequently implicated as contributing factors in the development of POCD. In recent years, dexmedetomidine (DEX), a novel α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been increasingly utilized in surgical anaesthesia for elderly patients, showing potential as both a preventive and therapeutic agent for POCD. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on the mechanisms by which DEX affects POCD in the elderly. Additionally, it explores DEX’s mechanisms of action in the context of neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and analgesia. The objective is to provide reliable theoretical support and a reference point for the clinical application of DEX in POCD among the elderly, thereby promoting its broader use in clinical practice to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1508661/fullpostoperative cognitive dysfunctiondexmedetomidineelderlymechanismseffect
spellingShingle Yuanbin Cai
Fan Yu
Wei Wu
Wurong Chen
Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
Frontiers in Physiology
postoperative cognitive dysfunction
dexmedetomidine
elderly
mechanisms
effect
title Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
title_full Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
title_fullStr Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
title_full_unstemmed Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
title_short Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine’s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
title_sort study on the mechanism of dexmedetomidine s effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people
topic postoperative cognitive dysfunction
dexmedetomidine
elderly
mechanisms
effect
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1508661/full
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AT weiwu studyonthemechanismofdexmedetomidineseffectonpostoperativecognitivedysfunctioninelderlypeople
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