Anesthesia becomes more complicated in direct proportion to the complexity of the surgery. Unfortunately, there is also a higher risk of memory loss due to this complexity.
It might be safer to use local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This might be because patients are in a “twilight” sleep when they have local anesthesia or sedation. These are simpler operations that typically call for less anesthesia. These seem to have a lower chance of developing memory loss after surgery.
Do you want to know the cause of memory loss following anesthesia for surgery? And how can we improve this memory que’shi deficit? Please read by scrolling down.
Why Will Memory Loss After Anesthesia?
Yes, anesthesia can affect memory. Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD), which includes memory loss and attention deficits, is the term used in medicine to describe the issue. POCD used to be mainly observed in elderly patients who had had heart surgery. However, two studies released in 2007 showed that it can happen in patients of all ages after other types of surgery.
A Duke University study revealed that older patients have a higher risk of POCD. Prior to surgery, once more before the patients were released from the hospital, and once more three months later, researchers administered neuropsychological tests to young (18–39), middle-aged (40–59), and elderly (60+) patients. Three months after surgery, the rate of POCD among elderly patients was 12.7%, whereas it was only 5.7% for patients in their mid- or early-life. Additionally, the researchers discovered that patients with POCD at hospital discharge and three months later had a higher mortality rate during the first year following surgery than any other patient.
The first time that POCD was split into two groups—memory loss and concentration issues—was in the second study, conducted at the University of Florida. After three months, the researchers discovered that older adults in the study experienced memory decline most frequently, but that only those who had concentration issues or a combination of memory and concentration issues were more likely to experience functional issues at home. Additionally, compared to those who had no impairment and those who only had memory issues, the patients in this group had a tendency to be less educated. (In my view, this last finding reinforces the likelihood that education protects the brain by increasing “neural redundancy” – that is, duplicative connections between neurons.)
Drug use can have a significant negative impact on recovery during and after surgery. Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs fall under this category (see my upcoming articles).
Prior to and following surgery, pain medication can have a significant negative impact on cognitive function. Memory loss may worsen as a result of this, which may also affect pain and anxiety (see my upcoming articles).
Unfortunately, anxiety medications may make postoperative memory issues worse. Always use caution when taking these medications because it can be fatal to combine them (see my upcoming article).
How to Reverse Memory Loss After Anesthesia?
Interestingly, higher education appears to keep your brain “healthier”. Your ability to remember things after surgery is protected by higher education levels. We are still learning how you can “exercise your brain” before surgery to lessen the risk of memory loss.
While your post-surgical memory problems will likely disappear over time, you might hurry that along by taking ginkgo biloba, which can enhance memory by increasing circulation to the brain. Take 120 mg with food, divided into two doses each day. You might also take phosphatidylserine (Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, medical director and president of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Foundation in Tucson, suggests taking 200 mg of ginkgo biloba daily to increase the effects of the herb.
Your anesthesiologist should be consulted before surgery, as this is crucial. Prior to surgery, you should be as physically and mentally fit as possible. This preparation may lessen memory loss following surgery. This usually takes 6-8 weeks and includes discussing:
- Physical activity.
- Social interaction.
- emotional state, such as depression and anxiety.
- For instance, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or lung disease are examples of medical conditions.
- Nutrition.
- testing in the lab, including blood tests.
How to Strengthen Your Memory With Good Habits?
There are some activities that could possibly aid in preventing memory loss or dementia, though there are no guarantees. Think about these 7 easy techniques to improve your memory. And be aware of when to seek assistance for memory loss.
Be Physically Active
The blood flow to the entire body, including the brain, is increased by exercise. Your memory might benefit from this.
The Department of Health and Human Services advises most healthy adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. It’s best to spread out this activity over the course of the week. Try taking a few 10-minute walks throughout the day if you don’t have time for a full workout.
Stay Mentally Active
Mentally stimulating activities assist in maintaining brain health, just as physical activity does for your body. And those activities might help avert some memory loss. Read and solve crossword puzzles. Play video games and pick up a musical instrument. Volunteer at a nearby school or with a neighborhood organization.
Stay Organized
When your home or notes are disorganized, you are more likely to forget important details. Use a notebook, calendar, or electronic planner to keep track of tasks, appointments, and other events. To help you remember each entry, you might even read it aloud as you make it on paper. Keep your to-do lists current. Check off items you’ve finished. To make it simple to locate your wallet, keys, glasses, and other necessities, keep them in a specific location in your home.
Limit distractions. Don’t do too many things at once. You’re more likely to remember the information later if you concentrate on it while trying to remember it. Connecting what you’re trying to remember to a favorite song, a well-known proverb, or another concept may also be helpful.
A Good Sleep
Memory loss is associated with insufficient sleep. The same goes for sleep disturbances and restless nights. Ensure that you prioritize getting enough good sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours per night. Make an appointment with your doctor if your snoring interferes with your ability to sleep. Sleep apnea or another sleep disorder may be indicated by snoring.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your brain benefits from eating well. Consume fresh produce, whole grains, and fruits. Pick low-fat protein options like fish, beans, and skinless poultry. What you consume also matters. Alcoholism can impair memory and cause confusion.
Final Thoughts
Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about memory loss following surgical anesthesia, especially if it makes it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks or if you notice that your memory is deteriorating. Your doctor might perform a physical examination on you and test your memory and problem-solving abilities.
FAQs
How Long Can the Effects of Anesthesia Last in the Elderly?
Seniors who experience postoperative delirium may not experience any symptoms for one to two days following surgery, but once it starts, you may feel confused, disoriented, or have memory or attention issues. This delirium comes and goes, but it typically only lasts a week or two.
Is Anesthesia Safe for 80 Year Old?
According to recent research, general anesthesia can increase the likelihood that elderly patients will develop dementia as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
