Preoperative Cognitive Screening of Surgical Patients 65 Years of Age or Older

The overall objectives of this study are to improve outcomes of surgical patients 65 years of age or older through risk stratification based on preoperative screening of cognition / mental function. Aim 1 is to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment among patients 65 years of age or older presenting for elective joint replacement surgery by structured cognitive screening versus standard practice. Aim 2 is to ascertain whether preoperative cognitive impairment in patients 65 years of age or older undergoing elective joint replacement surgery is an independent predictor of adverse postoperative events and/or mortality. Aim 3 is to implement routine structured preoperative cognitive screening of patients 65 years of age or older undergoing elective surgical procedures in a busy preoperative clinic.