Mind Over Memory: Unpacking Postoperative Cognitive Disorders with Dr. Christine Detwiler

Postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD) are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated, but they can dramatically affect a patient’s recovery and long-term quality of life. We’ve invited Dr. Christine Detwiler to join us so we can better understand the science behind POCD, the risk factors, and the strategies anesthesia providers are using to protect brain health.

Along with guest co-host Dana Pederson, CRNA, we dive into this topic with Christine while it’s still very fresh on her mind. She shares the insights she uncovered during her doctoral research, including risk factors, early signs to watch for, and why anesthesia providers play a bigger role in brain health than they might think.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 POCD affects more patients than we realize—especially older adults

🔍 Post-op delirium and cognitive dysfunction are different but often overlap

📉 Less is more: lighter sedation may reduce cognitive complications

🩺 Preoperative assessment is key, even with limited time

🗣️ Familiarity, reorientation, and empathy matter in recovery

 

About our guest:

Dr. Detwiler holds great passion for her profession and practice as a CRNA. She has worked with a variety of patient populations as well as served on multiple international medical missions. Dr. Detwiler earned her DNP after ten years as a CRNA and now enjoys supporting current DNP students in their academic journeys. She strives to care for her patients with compassion and the highest standard of care. Dr. Detwiler is a strong advocate for the CRNA profession by her example and drive for growth. Outside of anesthesia, Dr. Detwiler spends as much time with her middle-school-aged daughter as she will allow, gets outside in the sun with her boyfriend to train for the next race, and takes clarinet lessons to keep her brain stimulated with new challenges.

 

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