Anesthesia types and effect on cognitive function in elderly persons

@mnpat This is an interesting question. I am also looking forward to hearing responses from others. In the meantime here are some articles from a reliable website, the National Institute of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3959222/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206478/ They do point to the fact that this can be a problem. This would be a good discussion with your doctor and perhaps anesthesiologist prior to surgery.

Hi,<br>I just had my knee replaced on December 21. I had an epidural (needle in spine). Also they gave me a relaxant medication -don't know what it was. I am 77 years old.<br> I came out of operating room 2 hrs, later wide awake and bright as a daisy. Much better recovery as well. There were people who had the general anaesthetic who were still 'out'. I am in Canada, so if they do an epidural on your country. I would highly recommend it. Less than 2 weeks and I walked the length of a Mall yesterday.<br><br>

mattiemae,
Thanks for the response! That is absolutely amazing. I have not heard any stories like that from people I have talked with around here. (Minnesota) Was this really a total knee replacement or a partial? Do they have some new revolutionary surgical techniques up in Canada? Are you superwoman??

I am also at risk for Alzheimer's (Mother had it) and I don't need any push in that direction.

mnpat: I am also interested in that answer. My Mom had hernia surgery 11 yrs ago at age 92. She already had dementia, not severe, but the anesthesia and hospital stay really messed with her mind. Thanks for the web sites.. I'll check them out. Jan

It was a total knee replacement. Operation 9 am Wednesday, up to washroom 11pm Wednesday. Discharged at 5 PM Friday. Staples came out today (13 days after surgery). No pain killers at all after discharge.

I would get a knee replacement now, but, looking forward to "stem" cells. Without that to hope for - i would have had it replaced.

I asked Anesthesiologist friend @ your concern, (mine too) he said it does have to do with skill of Anesthesiologist - so me thinks your Doc would have to know who they r picking to do this important job.

Wow, impressive.

Thanks Mari. I think if I could follow in mattiemae's footsteps I would schedule the knee replacement right now! Did your anesthesiologist friend have any comments on type of anesthesia or different anesthetic drugs?
Perhaps I should just move to Canada??

You don't believe that stem cells can help?

My grandmother had knee replacement surgery several years ago now. She was about ten years younger then you when she decided it was the right option for her. The anesthesia did not have a terrible effect on her then- but since she has had other health issues and multiple surgeries. With each event and surgery the recovery has been a bit more complicated. She is now 78 and her advancing age, other health issues, and having multiple procedures in one year have become a lot for her to overcome. However, the future is never certain and the knee replacement did benefit her for a period of years.

The most important thing in my personal opinion is to decide based on what is best for you. It will be painful and a lot of hard work with no real guarantees- as with anything in life. Just remember an elective procedure is just that- a choice. Pray about it, get informed, and rally your support system. If you decide it's what's best for you be proactive and engage your care team early. You are already way ahead of the game. Good luck on your path to better health! You are in the driver seat on this one!