Anesthesia and Dementia: Myth vs Facts + How to Protect the Brain скачать в хорошем качестве

Anesthesia and Dementia: Myth vs Facts + How to Protect the Brain

Does anesthesia cause dementia—or is something else going on? If your older loved one seems more confused after surgery, families deserve clear answers. In this video, I explain what the best evidence says about general anesthesia and dementia, why post-operative delirium is the real risk, and how to build a brain-protection plan before, during, and after surgery. You’ll learn: ✅ Why anesthesia is NOT proven to cause Alzheimer’s disease or dementia ✅ The 3 main post-op cognitive syndromes: delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and post-operative neurocognitive disorder ✅ What delirium looks like (hyperactive vs hypoactive) and why it’s often missed ✅ The 8 biggest risk factors for delirium and prolonged confusion ✅ A practical prevention checklist for families (the first 72 hours matter most) Key takeaway: Most seniors will not “get dementia” from anesthesia. But if someone has an underlying cognitive vulnerability (known or subtle), surgery can trigger delirium, and delirium can be associated with longer-lasting cognitive setbacks. Brain-Protection Checklist (Quick Summary) 1. Before surgery: tell the team about memory issues, bring glasses/hearing aids/CPAP, review meds, treat constipation/pain, hydrate. 2. After surgery: daylight in daytime, darkness at night, re-orientation, mobility as allowed, avoid high-risk meds when possible, watch for hypoactive delirium (too sleepy + confused). Important Disclaimer This video is general education and does not replace medical care. Every patient is different. Always discuss surgical/anesthesia decisions with your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and your loved one’s clinician—especially if there is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, Parkinson’s/Lewy body disease, prior delirium, sleep apnea, or complex medication use. If confusion is sudden, severe, or worsening, seek urgent medical evaluation. #anesthesia #dementia #delirium #alzheimers #caregiver #seniors #surgery #postoperative #brainhealth