Anesthesia and the old brain

Anesth Analg. 2010 Feb 1;110(2):421-6. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181b80939. Epub 2009 Oct 9.

Abstract

The perioperative period may have long-term consequences on cognitive function in the elderly patient. In this special article, we summarize the rationale and evidence that the anesthetic per se is a contributor. The evidence at this point is considered suggestive and further research is needed, especially in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / chemically induced
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Anesthesia / adverse effects
  • Anesthetics, Inhalation / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / chemically induced
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Dementia / chemically induced*
  • Dementia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / drug effects

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation