UK's best minds debate anaesthetics and dementia
Published 13 November 2007
Is it worth it?
The truth behind anaesthetics and dementia will be explored by expert anaesthetists and dementia researchers tomorrow (Thursday, 10 May 2006) as the Alzheimer's Society leads a debate Age Anaesthesia Association holds its first international symposium in Manchester.
The use of anaesthetics on people with dementia will be a hot topic following recent controversy over its use. A string of emerging evidence has drawn attention to the potential difficulties in this area.
Clive Ballard, director of research, Alzheimer's Society says,
'Giving people with dementia an anaesthetic is a topic of huge contention. It is now widely accepted that the use of anaesthetics can cause post-operative confusion, especially in older people. Emerging evidence suggests that this confusion can be the 'straw that breaks the camel's back' worsening the symptoms of some people with dementia.
More needs to be done to raise awareness of the effect anaesthetic can have on the well-being of a person with dementia. Today's conference is immensely important step towards highlighting this issue and establishing the best anaesthetic care for people with dementia.
Carers and people with dementia should make sure they discuss any decision to use anaesthetic with their medical professional before an operation.'
