Postoperative Delirium and the Uncertainties of Anesthesia

Philadelphia: Each year, millions of Americans undergo surgery with anesthesia safely, with little risk and few negative side effects. Whether for an invasive medical procedure or routine dental work, anesthesia is administered regularly to patients across a broad age spectrum. However, questions are now being raised about the effects anesthesia may have on the human brain, particularly in older patients. Earlier this fall, health care professionals specializing in Anesthesiology and Critical Care, along with colleagues from professional societies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, gathered in Washington, D.C. for the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Brain Health Summit.

Preventive Strategies Protect Against Delirium

Brigham. US: Delirium – the sudden onset of confusion frequently seen in older patients – can increase a person’s risk of falls, lead to prolonged hospital stays and may contribute to over $164 billion in healthcare costs. A new study led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research suggests that delirium is also preventable, and that non-medication strategies can reduce risk and improve outcomes.