Originally posted by Chesca
It would be interesting to hear if there is any medical, official opinion on this.
Chesca
Hi Chesca If anyone wants to , it is possible to look at this - from where you are - there is a searchable database of dementia research on this very website -
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Go to the Home Page then click on
ABOUT DEMENTIA/RESEARCH/LIBRARY /SEARCH LIBRARY DATABASE
Basically not enough research done yet - there are never any easy answers sadly.
BUT first - I'm the world's worst for wanting to find out for myself - its the result of being let down by health & social care professionals so much & having to watch so much unnecessary suffering - so I dont apologise - but also know that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and sometimes it helps to trust 'them' - its a knife edge we tread.
I sometmes feel whatever I do is wrong - speak out - its wrong - stay silent / do nothing - & feel the guilt. I left Mums last days to 'them' - it still haunts me.
Using anaesthetic as the Keyword, 2 references came up - I've copied here to save you time (but may be in trouble with Nada again for doing that !!!! - copyright you know !! but it is within a website - 'our' website - I'll cower by the computer !!).
"Your library search has found 2 records
Anaesthesia and the older surgical patient: something old, something new, something borrowed
Crowe, Suzanne
Age and Ageing Vol 33 (1) pp 4-5
2004
The author discusses the issues concerning anaesthetists about the care of the older patient after intensive surgery. Pre-operative assessment would have to broaden to encompass issues such as mental state, ability to consent, medications on discharge, nutrition and mobility. The author calls for the appointment of lead clinicians within anaesthetic departments of act as an impetus for change.
Library number
8970
Location
Journals held in library in title order.
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Postoperative confusion in the elderly
Whitaker, JJ
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Vol 4 (6) pp 321-6
1989
With advancing age, postoperative confusion is an increasingly important problem. Its aetiology is complex & multifactorial & includes surgical factors, anaesthetic factors, preexisting medical, psychiatric or psychological problems & postoperative complications. It often prolongs hospital stay & although mental function recovers in the majority of cases, it may be followed by permanent mental impairment. Postoperative confusion may interfere with the management of the original surgical problem & it occurs in a setting where interest & expertise in its management are low. There is scope for improved recognition, treatment & prevention of postoperative confusion. More work needs to be done to evaluate the effect of surgery & anaesthesia on mental function, especially in the very elderly.
Library number
993
Location
Journals held in library in title order.
This search is from the Alzheimer's Society library. Alzheimer's Society, Gordon House, 10 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1PH Tel 020 7306 0606 Registered Charity No. 296645, Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No. 2115499