Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
22.3K
Is there a relationship between anaesthesia and dementia?
Anna-Karin Strand1, Fredrik Nyqvist2, Anne Ekdahl3,4
1Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|December 5, 2018
Summary
Elderly patients with dementia showed increased exposure to surgery and general anesthesia, particularly halogenated anesthetic gases. This retrospective study suggests a potential link between prior anesthesia and dementia risk in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in elderly patients.
- Inhalation anesthetics are hypothesized to contribute to dementia development.
- This study investigates the association between dementia and prior anesthesia exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the hypothesis that dementia patients have higher exposure to surgery and inhalational anesthetics.
- To identify risk factors associated with dementia in an elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study with 457 dementia cases and 420 controls.
- Medical records reviewed for anesthesia exposure within 20 years prior to diagnosis/inclusion.
- Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score analysis used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Advanced age (70+ years, peak 80-84) and head trauma are dementia risk factors.
- Exposure to surgery with anesthesia was a significant risk factor for dementia (OR=2.23).
- Inhalational anesthetics, specifically halogenated agents, increased dementia risk (OR=2.47); regional anesthesia did not show significant association.
Conclusions:
- A potential association exists between dementia and prior anesthesia exposure.
- General anesthesia involving halogenated anesthetic gases may increase dementia risk.
More Related Videos
06:23The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016
33.9K
05:12A Mouse Model for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Based on Needle-guided Asymmetric Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis
Published on: November 22, 2024
1.5K
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
577
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
577
02:12Relationship Formation
46.2K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.2K
01:28Ending Relationships
189
The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...
189
01:27Relationship Growth
218
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
218
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
313
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
313
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
239
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
239