Cognitive function after bariatric surgery: evidence for improvement 3 years after surgery

Abstract

Background Bariatric surgery is associated with improved cognition and it is possible that such improvements are found at extended follow-ups. We hypothesized that cognitive improvement would be maintained 3 years post-bariatric surgery. Methods Fifty bariatric patients were recruited from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery parent project. Participants completed a computerized cognitive test battery to assess cognitive function at 12-weeks, 12-months, 24-months, and 36-months post-surgery. Results Repeated measures revealed main effects for attention, executive function, and memory. Attention improved up to 24-months and then slightly declined, though still fell within the average range at 36-months. Improvements in executive function reached its peak at 36-months post-surgery. Short-term improvements in memory were maintained at 36-months. No main effect emerged for language. Conclusion Bariatric surgery may lead to lasting improvements in cognition. Prospective studies with extended follow-ups (e.g., 10 years) should examine whether bariatric surgery can attenuate cognitive decline in severely obese persons.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prevalence and Correlates Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

“…In their longitudinal study, Alfonsson et al [14] also found a significant reduction on the Attention subscale of the ADHD Self-Report Scale [17] for men, but not for women. The finding of a better attention and memory function in the post-surgery sample is in line with the results of longitudinal studies demonstrating improvements in cognitive functioning following bariatric surgery [18,19,41,42]. It is reasonable to assume that postoperative cognitive improvement in attention and memory might have impacted the self-report on the respective CAARS subscale, possibly by way of improved prefrontal top-down control.…”

“…These improvements have been observed in longitudinal studies as early as 12 weeks after surgery [18] and are maintained up to 3 years postoperatively [19]. Cognitive dysfunction related to obesity may thus be at least partially reversible following bariatric surgery.…”

“…Several studies have shown a link between obesity and cognitive impairment [18] and that bariatric surgery is associated with improvement of cognitive functions [19]. These improvements have been observed in longitudinal studies as early as 12 weeks after surgery [18] and are maintained up to 3 years postoperatively [19].…”

Long-Term Cognitive Decline in the Elderly is not Attributable to Surgery/Anesthesia

“…Similarly, a number of studies show improvement in cognitive function after bariatric surgery. Cognitive benefits, particularly in memory and executive function, are maintained up to 3 years postoperatively [27,28]. Although the majority of patients with meningioma have mild to moderate cognitive deficits preoperatively, resection of the brain lesion significantly improved functioning in the following cognitive domains: memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, processing flexibility and executive functioning [29].…”

An overview of complications affecting the Central Nervous System following bariatric surgery

“…64 BS has been shown to improve cognitive function rapidly after surgery and the effect lasts for years. [65][66][67] Graff-Radford et al 68 described a case series of 10 patients developing cognitive complaints following RYGB. The cognitive impairment was attributed to bilateral posterior thalamic focal brain atrophy detected on volumetric MRI.…”