UK's best minds debate anaesthetics and dementia

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.'

People who would like more about anaesthetic and dementia can contact the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline on 0845 300 0336.

For more information, contact Hannah Clack, Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The Annual Scientific Meeting and First International Symposium will be held from 10 - 11 May 2007 at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.