Does anyone know if anesthesia has long-term effects of the mind following an operation? I have concerns.?

Question

My grandmother had an operation for diverticulitis in late 2005 and again in early 2006. She had been fine mentally before this, but ever since, she has been very forgetful: forgetting to take her medications, when she eats, misplacing things, and she has a preoccupation with needing to have bowel movements. She's always complaining of not feeling well, especially right before we're ready to take her somewhere. She has a car, but drives it less and less even up to our home for dinner and she lives right in town. She hardly goes out of her house. My gram's short-term memory is just terrible anymore. My mom is the only one in the area who takes care of her and is getting frustrated. My uncle lives 2 hours away, rarely comes in, and only calls my gram once a week. She was supposed to have an MRI done, but cancelled, and it's difficult to get her to go to the doctor. She sees nothing wrong and gets upset when you think something is. Could this possibly be the start of dementia?

Answer 1

It certainly sounds like the beginning of dimentia. Your family is going to have to come together and take her for a proper examination, and plan on arranging for gran's constant care. Good luck to you and your family.

Answer 2

You don't mention your grandmother's age but these things which you have written here can happen with age and she should be seen by a doctor because she can be helped to function better and feel happier. Ignoring the situation is neglect. Take care of this sweet lady and take her to a doctor and explain her symptoms so she can get the help she needs and deserves. Good luck.

Answer 3

anesthesia has nothing to do with your grandma's short term memory. I've been put under 6 times and no side effects.

It sounds like your grandma needs mental stimulation, keep her busy, have her do puzzles, anything to keep the mind stimulated, otherwise her memory will go. Just like physical exercise stimulates the body, mental stimulation feeds the brain. without either of them the body and mind will not function like it can or should.