Tag: the guardian

Anesthesia affects brain function; here’s what you need to know.

Anesthesia affects brain function; here’s what you need to know. If you are scheduled for surgery, you are likely to have anesthesia. Scientists have known since 1887 that anesthesia can cause delirium while scientists in the 1980s had begun to understand that people who had heart surgery had a decline in memory and concentration. Surgery after the age of 65 years old carries a much higher risk of cognitive decline than we see in younger patients. Avoid surgery requiring anesthesia especially if you are older than 65 years old. Many surgeries are necessary and may save your life. Other elective Read More »