The circITSN1/eIF4A3/Itsn1 axis, a potential new molecular entry point for managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is the impairment of cognitive abilities in elderly patients after surgery. Among others, it encompasses neurophysiological changes and therefore impairment in the ability to learn, think, and memorize.1 While there are some patients with a risk of developing a form POCD that persists for more than a year, most cases show a reversible phenotype, with cognitive abilities being restored after several weeks or months.2 As there is no specific treatment, however, to speed up the healing process, prevention strategies are of great importance.