Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic researchers analyzed 1,819 adults between the ages of 70 and 89. They measured whether cognitive decline was associated with surgery and anesthesia exposure up to 20 years prior or anesthesia exposure post-enrollment.
Researchers found a slight decline in cognitive ability following exposure to anesthesia and surgery. Although older adults naturally experience a decline in cognitive ability, anesthesia or surgery exposure slightly accelerated it beyond the normal aging process.
Researchers said it was impossible to determine whether anesthesia, surgery or the underlying conditions necessitating surgery caused the decline.
More articles on anesthesia:
3 biggest ASC fraud cases in 2018
Regent Health VP: Adding women’s health services may improve patient outcomes, grow case volume at ASCs
Eye Associates of New Mexico holds surgery center grand opening — 3 insights
