New thesis explores cognitive changes after surgery in older adults
Hi Anahita Amirpour, doctoral student at the Division of Nursing. On November 20 you will defend your thesis "Assessment and identification of cognitive changes after surgery in older adults". What is the main focus of the thesis?
”My thesis focuses on how cognitive changes after surgery can be better identified and understood in older adults. It explores cognitive tests, patient experiences and the role of psychological factors”, says Anahita Amirpour, doctoral student at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society.
Which are the most important results?
”A digital self-administered cognitive test was found feasible and well accepted in older adults undergoing abdominal surgery. Depression was the psychological factor most consistently associated to postoperative delirium. Importantly, postoperative cognitive recovery can't be understood through test scores alone, patients' experiences and psychological factors seem to play a role too”.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people's health?
”This knowledge can guide future research by evaluating digital cognitive tests in larger and more diverse surgical populations. In clinical practice, it can help healthcare professionals identify cognitive changes that affect daily life early, and provide tailored to each patient's needs”.
What's in the future for you? Will you continue to conduct research?
”I'd like to continue conducting research, either within academia or in other settings. At the same time, I'm planning to scale up my own company”.