Abstract
Cognition is described as the process of acquiring, processing, storing and retrieving information by the brain. Cognitive function includes a mental processes associated with receptive functions (selection, acquisition, classification and integration of information), memory and learning (retrieval of information), thinking (mental organization and reorganization) and expressive functions (communication and comprehension).
Dysfunction of one or all of these skills can generally affect all aspects of life. In medical care, cognitive dysfunction is likely to limit the understanding of and compliance with treatment, thus hindering the treatment and exposing patients to risks, causing problems to the family and, potentially, reducing the quality of care.
This complicated issue may possibly affect a large number of patients. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the cognitive effects of opioids in chronic pain, both cancer and non-cancer, and to provide a systematic review of the literature covering controlled studies.