LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• To precisely define the terms emergence delirium, post-operative delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and post-operative neurocognitive disorders and how these terms fit under the umbrella of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs)
• To recognize advanced age (> 65) as the most important non-modifiable risk factor for the development of emergence or post-operative delirium and to quantify its annual economic toll on the U.S. healthcare system
• To discuss evidence-based strategies for reducing the incidence of post-operative delirium in the pre-hospital, pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative setting