Our Summary

This research investigated whether undergoing surgery with general anesthesia is associated with a buildup of Amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain, which is a key characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study used different types of scans to measure Aβ levels, brain glucose metabolism, and cortical thickness in elderly residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA. The team looked at those who had surgery after the age of 40 and those who had surgery in the 20 years before the scans. They found that having surgery with general anesthesia did not increase Aβ levels in the brain. However, it was associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal thinning of certain brain areas. This suggests that while surgery with general anesthesia might contribute to some brain changes, it does not appear to lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

FAQs

  1. Does undergoing surgery with general anesthesia increase Amyloid-β (Aβ) levels in the brain?
  2. What impact does surgery with general anesthesia have on the brain’s cortical thickness?
  3. Does surgery with general anesthesia lead to Alzheimer’s disease?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about brain surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes any medication regimens, dietary restrictions, and activity limitations. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and rehabilitation sessions to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with:

  1. Brain tumors: Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors in the brain, especially if they are causing symptoms or are in a critical location.

  2. Epilepsy: Some patients with epilepsy may benefit from surgery to remove the part of the brain that is causing seizures.

  3. Aneurysms: Surgery may be recommended to repair a brain aneurysm, which is a bulging or weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain.

  4. Traumatic brain injury: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe traumatic brain injuries, such as removing blood clots or repairing skull fractures.

  5. Hydrocephalus: Surgery may be needed to treat hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid in the brain that can cause increased pressure and swelling.

  6. Parkinson’s disease: Deep brain stimulation surgery may be recommended for some patients with Parkinson’s disease to help manage symptoms.

  7. Chiari malformation: Surgery may be necessary to treat Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.

It is important to note that brain surgery is a complex procedure and each case is unique, so recommendations for surgery should be made by a team of medical professionals based on the individual patient’s specific condition and needs.

Timeline

Before brain surgery:

  • Patient meets with a neurosurgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to provide a detailed look at the brain
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet before surgery
  • Patient receives anesthesia and is prepped for surgery

After brain surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is closely monitored for any immediate complications
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the surgical site
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for further monitoring and recovery
  • Patient may need physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and function
  • Patient follows up with their neurosurgeon for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Patient may need to take medications for pain management or to prevent infection
  • Patient slowly resumes normal activities and work with guidance from their medical team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about brain surgery include:

  1. What specific type of brain surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process be, and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or scans before the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my condition?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. How will the surgery and anesthesia affect my cognitive function and brain health in the long term?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  9. What is the likelihood of developing cognitive issues or Alzheimer’s disease after undergoing brain surgery with general anesthesia?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my brain health after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sprung J, Warner DO, Knopman DS, Petersen RC, Mielke MM, Jack CR Jr, Lowe VJ, Martin DP, Hanson AC, Schroeder DR, Przybelski SA, Schulte PJ, Weingarten TN, Vemuri P. Journal: Br J Anaesth. 2020 May;124(5):594-602. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.01.015. Epub 2020 Mar 12. PMID: 32171548