Spinal operations: How to increase mental fitness in old age!

Spinal operations: How to increase mental fitness in old age!

The latest research from Greifswald sheds light on the effects of spinal surgery on the mental performance of older people. A comprehensive study entitled "Confess", led by Dr. Robert Fleischmann from the University Medical Center Greifswald shows promising results. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper The study examined the effects of such interventions on pain, activity and cognitive performance in 99 patients between 60 and 89 years of age who suffered from chronic degenerative diseases of the lower back.

Dr. Fleischmann was awarded the Theo and Friedl Schöller Prize worth 20,000 euros for his outstanding work. The aim of the study was to weigh up the risks of spinal surgery in old age and at the same time identify positive effects. As people age, surgery often comes with higher risks of complications, including postoperative delirium, which can cause long-term memory and attention declines.

However, research shows that without delirium, the procedures can not only relieve pain, but also restore mobility and improve mental performance. The results encourage older people to be more likely to opt for such interventions.

Focus on neural networks

What is particularly exciting is the finding that postoperative cognitive improvements have been demonstrated through improved cooperation between neural networks in the brain. According to a report by the German health portal This was observed in a study with 79 patients with an average age of 71 years. Using MRI scans before and after the operations, the researchers were able to detect significant changes in the activity of three central networks: the central executive network, the salience network and the resting network (default mode network).

The study results show that improved cooperation between these networks correlates with better results in memory and concentration tests. “We found a stronger connection between the forehead region and the vertex area,” explains Dr. Fleischmann. The interaction of these networks after surgery resulted not only in improved seriousness but also in a more balanced mindset.

Outlook and challenges

The findings of the study, published in International Journal of Surgery, are encouraging – particularly for older patients who have concerns about surgery. This study is the first of its kind to document such clear postoperative cognitive improvements.

Experts emphasize the importance of adapting operations to the patient's individual risk profile. In addition, this knowledge could lead to the development of new therapies, for example through targeted exercises or non-invasive brain stimulation, to enhance the healing effects.

Overall, it is clear that spinal surgeries, when well planned and tailored to the individual needs of patients, can not only help relieve pain, but also improve mental abilities in old age. One more reason to be optimistic about the future – even in old age.