Cognitive disorders are among the important complications that can occur in association with surgery and anesthesia and require proactive planning and precautionary measures before surgical intervention. Overlooking or being unaware of the contributing factors can significantly increase the risk of developing such issues. This review article aims to examine the underlying causes and contributing factors associated with cognitive problems that occur in the perioperative period. This article seeks to reduce the onset and progression of these complications after surgery by highlighting effective preventive measures. To conduct this analysis, a wide range of relevant literature published between 1990 and 2022 was reviewed. References were accessed through prominent academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The review included search terms such as cognitive problems, psychological problems, and complications related to anesthesia and surgery to collect comprehensive data. The study emphasizes a variety of crucial considerations that should be addressed to reduce the likelihood of developing cognitive problems in surgical and anesthetic settings. These include the administration of neuroprotective agents, the appropriate use of psychoactive medications, evaluation of the anticholinergic system, and monitoring of the depth of anesthesia. Special attention was paid to pediatric populations, where vulnerability is often increased. Additional factors discussed encompass circadian rhythm disruptions and sleep disturbances, respect for patient privacy, regulation of blood glucose levels, accommodation of patients’ spiritual or religious practices, maintenance of hemoglobin and electrolyte balance, stabilization of blood pressure, as well as monitoring via capnography and oxygen saturation. The positioning of the patient during procedures, potential embolic events, pharmacological interactions, cardiac performance, platelet function, psychological stress, pain management, temperature regulation, prolonged hospitalization, development of ileus, and the appropriate use of antibiotics were also examined as integral components of prevention strategies.
