Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) can be observed after cardiosurgical interventions. Taken together, these postoperative neurocognitive dysfunctions contribute to increased morbidity and mortality and higher economic costs. Preoperative risk factors of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunctions, such as decreased neuropsychometric performance or decreased cognitive daily activities, can be interpreted as reduced cognitive reserve. The aim of this study is to build up cognitive reserves to protect against the development of POD and POCD through preoperative, home-based, cognitive training.
Elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic or mitral valve replacement/reconstruction, or combination surgery) with standardized extracorporeal circulation
A sufficiently good knowledge of German is necessary as cognitive training and neuropsychological tests are language-dependent
History of stroke and preexisting psychiatric or neurological disorders that may impair the neuropsychological performance