Multiple surgeries can accelerate mental decline in older adults
October 4, 2024, 1:50 PM
Researchers have discovered that repeated surgeries in older adults can negatively impact cognitive function, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
The study analyzed data from over half a million people in the UK Biobank, focusing on those who had undergone multiple surgeries between the ages of 40 and 69. Over a period of 20 years, their brain scans, cognitive tests, and medical records were evaluated.
The findings revealed:
Impaired cognitive abilities: Each subsequent surgery was associated with slower reaction times, reduced problem-solving skills, and memory problems.
Hippocampal atrophy: Frequent surgery was linked to a smaller hippocampus, a key brain structure involved in memory formation and retrieval.
* Neurodegenerative changes: Increased evidence of brain damage associated with circulatory problems was observed in patients with multiple surgeries.
“The results suggest that cognitive decline per operation appears small, but these changes and neurodegeneration begin to add up after multiple operations,” said study leader Dr. Jennifer Taylor. “This risk, especially for older patients, should therefore not be underestimated.”
The study emphasizes the importance of carefully considering alternative treatment options before undergoing multiple surgeries, while acknowledging that surgery may sometimes be necessary.