Alzheimer's and Anesthesia

To contact us Click HERE
Alzheimer's and anesthesia don't mix well. Some physicians are advising their patients that are already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary.

By Sydney S. Farrier, LCSW


Sydney S. Farrier
How often have you heard the comment about an older person who recently underwent a major surgery, "She was fine until she had that (hip surgery, knee replacement, cardiac surgery, etc) but now she seems confused."

This week I was visiting with an attractive woman in her 80's who had a knee surgery under a general anesthesia a couple of years ago. About six months after the first surgery, another surgery with general anesthesia had to be done due to some problems with the knee. She stated she has never recovered.

Her knee is fine, but the cognitive problems she experienced following these surgeries has resulted in her having to give up her home and the gardening she loved, move to a retirement community near her daughter, forgo driving, and lose the sense of independence she so valued.

Both she and her daughter believe the two general anesthesia significantly contributed to her cognitive changes. She is angry that the possibility for cognitive changes was never discussed with her.

Continue Reading Alzheimer's and Anesthesia

The Alzheimer's Action Plan

300 Tips for Making Life Easier

Alzheimer's Disease -- Advice and Insight

• What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
• 100 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
• About the Alzheimer's Reading Room
• Alzheimer's Disease and the Five Stages of Grief
• What is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?
• Alzheimer's Disease CareGiving -- Insight and Advice (20 articles)
• Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Disease (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)
• Communicating in Alzheimer's World
• Worried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be
• Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
• Alzheimer's Disease Statistics
• Is it Really Alzheimer's Disease or Something Else?
• Ten Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease
• Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Disease Patients