This paper aims to analyze the mechanism of action of esketamine, explore its efficacy in treating cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients, and evaluate its clinical application prospects. This paper focuses on the main molecular pathways of esketamine acting on the central nervous system, and summarizes its efficacy and safety in treating depression and cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. Esketamine protects and improves the cognitive function of elderly patients by regulating the activity of glutamatergic neurons, promoting the secretion of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and enhancing synaptic plasticity. Ketamine, as a new drug for the rapid treatment of depression, has great application prospects in clinical practice. However, in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients, it is necessary to strictly grasp the indications and pay attention to the rational use of the drug.

Yongjie Gao, Xinjie Yang. Effect of Esketamine on Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients. International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 3: 36-42. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFM.2025.070305.

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