Anesthesia is a medication that prevents you from feeling pain during surgery. It can be given in different ways, such as through an injection, a mask, or an IV. Anesthesia can have some side effects or complications, especially for elderly patients who may have other health problems or a more sensitive brain. Some of the possible risks of anesthesia for older patients are:

- Postoperative delirium: This is a temporary condition that causes confusion, disorientation, memory problems, and unawareness of surroundings. It may start a few days after surgery and last for about a week. It can be caused by many factors, such as the type and duration of surgery, the type and dose of anesthesia, pain, infection, dehydration, or low oxygen levels¹²⁵.

- Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD): This is a more serious condition that can lead to long-term memory loss and difficulty with learning, concentration, and thinking. It can affect up to 40% of elderly patients after major surgery¹²⁵. It can be caused by factors such as age, pre-existing cognitive impairment, heart or lung disease, stroke, inflammation, or genetic factors¹²⁴⁵.

- Side effects of anesthesia: These can include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, shivering, sore throat, or headache. These are usually mild and short-lived, but they can be more severe or prolonged in elderly patients who have a slower metabolism and clearance of anesthesia drugs²³⁵.

To reduce the risks of anesthesia for elderly patients, it is important to talk to your physician or surgeon and make sure your anesthesia care is led by an anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in anesthesia. You should also inform your anesthesiologist about any health problems you have, any medications or supplements you take, and any previous experiences with anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will help you choose the best type and dose of anesthesia for your surgery and monitor your vital signs and brain function throughout the procedure. After surgery, your anesthesiologist will help you manage your pain and prevent or treat any complications that may arise¹².