| Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools. |
DOI: 10.1177/0145445502238694 Neurocognitive Sequelae Following Coronary Artery Bypass GraftA Research Agenda for Behavioral Scientists
University of MissouriKansas City and Mid America Heart Institute, St. Lukes Hospital Several studies have demonstrated that a sizeable proportion of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) demonstrate persistent declines in cognitive functioning. However, several important questions remain regarding cognitive changes following CABG. First, can patients vulnerable to cognitive decline after CABG be identified, providing valuable information that can be factored into clinical decisions? Second, the specificity of CABG as a cause of cognitive decline, when compared to other coronary procedures such as percutaneous coronary interventions, has not been established. Third, what mechanisms account for the neurocognitive decline after CABG? Several mechanisms have been proposed to lead to post-CABG neurocognitive deficits, including pre CABG neurocognitive deficits, physiological injury, psychosocial factors, and/or the patients perceptual processes. Finally, no study has demonstrated that cognitive changes, as measured by neuropsychological tests, have ecological validity. Specifically, behavioral sciences research is needed to demonstrate that measured cognitive changes significantly impact health status independent of other risk factors.
Key Words:
|