Procedures such as colonoscopy cause discomfort and pain and are therefore performed under sedation and analgesia. Although patients aged 65 and older frequently undergo colonoscopy procedures, it is unclear to what extent the anesthetic agents administered for sedation and analgesia in this patient group affect neurocognitive functions. Different sedation methods are used in colonoscopy procedures depending on the anesthesiologist's choice. Propofol is an agent frequently used in general anesthesia or for sedation during endoscopic procedures and, compared to inhaled agents, has more positive effects on postoperative cognitive functions. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha receptor agonist and is preferred due to its positive effects on cognitive functions in elderly patients, its lack of respiratory depression, its ability to provide sedation without impairing cooperation, and its analgesic effects. Although there are studies in the literature on the assessment of neurocognitive function in geriatric patients undergoing surgical procedures, the literature is insufficient in terms of studies addressing cognitive assessment after short-term, outpatient, and less invasive procedures such as colonoscopy. This study aimed to observe patients aged 65 years and older who underwent sedoanalgesia for colonoscopy and to compare the effects on cognitive function by administering the mini mental test before and after the procedure to this patient group.
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Assessment of Cognitive Function
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-procedure), 2 hours post-procedure, and 24 hours post-procedure