Mounting evidence suggests that repeated exposure to commonly inhaled anesthesia drugs can push an aging brain toward dementia, according to an Idaho Statesman report.
According to the report, general anesthesia has been linked to the death of brain cells and Alzheimer's-related plaques. While a single procedure has not been shown to cause brain cell death, repeated exposure could pose more risk.
Infants and children younger than four are also particularly vulnerable. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to anesthesia during periods of brain development can damage cells and cause developmental problems in children.
The authors advised parents not to postpone necessary surgery for children because of anesthesia risks. Relatively short, one-time operations do not pose the saem risk as repeated exposure. The authors advised patients and family members to ask about regional anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia or prepare the hospital room for post-surgical recovery with pictures of family members, a calendar and a clock.
Read the Idaho Statesman report on anesthesia.
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According to the report, general anesthesia has been linked to the death of brain cells and Alzheimer's-related plaques. While a single procedure has not been shown to cause brain cell death, repeated exposure could pose more risk.
Infants and children younger than four are also particularly vulnerable. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to anesthesia during periods of brain development can damage cells and cause developmental problems in children.
The authors advised parents not to postpone necessary surgery for children because of anesthesia risks. Relatively short, one-time operations do not pose the saem risk as repeated exposure. The authors advised patients and family members to ask about regional anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia or prepare the hospital room for post-surgical recovery with pictures of family members, a calendar and a clock.
Read the Idaho Statesman report on anesthesia.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
5 Updates on the Nationwide Drug Shortage
FDA: Succinylcholine No Longer in Short Supply
Local Anesthesia Beats General Anesthesia for Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair