Surgery in the elderly

I found this site via a news article.  But I mostly hang out on the Alzheimer Assn Caregiver's Forum.  They have written a lot about Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD)

I remember when I was young, they would not perform a lot of surgeries on the elderly.  But now a days with people living into the hundreds and medical technologies progressions, it seems that many more people in their 80s and 90s are having surgery.

A lot of posters were mad because their LO got dementia from the General Anesthesia used in their surgery.

It should also be noted that elderly people taking Alzheimer meds and/or pyschotic meds have a harder time with General Anesthesia.  So if your LO with Alzheimer or any dementia is having surgery, YOU should talk with the Anesthesiologist and bring all meds along.

Interesting article on POCD....

http://www.asahq.org/news/asanews122107a.htm