Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/8/2010

Question
Hello Dr. Jackson: A little while ago I saw a quick news flash, that mentioned a recently published book written by a former CNN health reporter. I understand, that the author claims that a certain ingredient (I do not have the name of the ingredient)could or is the cause of memory loss, or worse, Alzheimer disease.
I would appreciate your comments and also if you have heard of this book. Perhaps you can give me the title and the name of the ingredient? I am extremely interested, because knee replacement surgery has been recommended to me.
I am thanking you in advance.
Sincerely,
Anneliese Koenig
8 November 2010

Answer
Hi there
Many apologies but I have not come across this book. We do know that anaeesthesia can affect older people leading to confusion and reduced cognitive function. It appears that there is a genetic part to this so some people may be more susceptible. So bottom line is that around 10% of those over 65 will have reduced cognitive function for a period following anaesthesia.

Bottom line is that if this was a big issue it would have been in the headlines long before now.

Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson