My mother's doctor say she needs to have carotid artery surgery. I have read stuff that says general anesetia can have a real negative effect on a person's memory. Mom is already showing all the signs of Alzheimer's. Is surgery too much of a risk? Any thoughts anyone?

Gregory - did your mom go ahead with the surgery, or did you and she decide it was too risky? Had she already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, or has she been diagnosed since?

I'm going to look into the link between anaesthesia and memory impairment. When I get the info, I'll post it here.

I hope all is well with you.

I found out that it's true, anaesthesia does have a negative impact on memory. In this situation, you have to weigh the risks. How badly does the person need the surgery, and do the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risk of exacerbating the symptoms of Alzheimers? These are hard questions, and you really need to talk to all of the doctors involved - surgeon, neurologist, primary care physician, etc.