Anticholinergic Drug Exposure Increases the Risk of Delirium in Older Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

Abstract

Preoperative anticholinergic drug exposure measured by ARS or ABS was independently associated with POD in older patients undergoing elective surgery. Therefore, identification, discontinuation or substitution of anticholinergic medication prior to surgery may be a promising approach to reduce the risk of POD in older patients.