Dementia after surgery?

[Anonymous]

My mom just had surgery. She had aphasia prior to surgery causing some difficulty in her finding her words but was otherwise independent. Since surgery she is almost completely incoherent and unable to communicate. She’s also argumentative (imagine being yelled at by someone who only speaks gibberish). It’s like she went from almost fully functioning to almost incapable of taking care of herself or even really being there. I’m absolutely terrified at this point and I don’t know what to do. They want to move her to a rehab place but I don’t know if the rehab place has the capability to handle her. Has anyone dealt with anything similar? Hospital staff says this could be due to anesthesia/ different environment/ pain meds but it’s so crazy how she is right now and I’m so scared this is going to be her new normal.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. Yes, this is common. We experienced it after a surgery as well. While there may have been very early dementia prior to the surgery, there was a significant regression after and she was incapable of living alone and was quickly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her downward slide was fast and scary. She hung on with severe Alzheimer’s for a few years (which was horrible when she had no language, motor skills or ability to eat alone). Hugs, OP.

[Anonymous]

She could have had a stroke.

[Anonymous]

Yes-happened to two of my grandparents post surgery.

Went from hospital ER to rehab/skilled nursing.

And yes, it’s the anesthesia and the trauma of it all.

[Anonymous]

PP above and this is why my mid 80s mom refused to have a second heart surgery; the cons vastly outweigh the pros.

She likely knows what she may die from now… stroke, heart attack but she says she won’t endure another major surgery. Even her cardiologist was supportive of her decision.

[Anonymous]

It’s not uncommon for the elderly to get Hospital related delirium, even without the surgery. Once you add anesthesia, the chance increases.
For some, once they get into a familiar location it goes away after a few days/weeks/months. For others it gets better but they never go back to pre-hospitalization/anesthesia. For others, the decline is permanent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s not uncommon for the elderly to get Hospital related delirium, even without the surgery. Once you add anesthesia, the chance increases.
For some, once they get into a familiar location it goes away after a few days/weeks/months. For others it gets better but they never go back to pre-hospitalization/anesthesia. For others, the decline is permanent.

100% what my mom has experienced with multiple surgeries/hospitalizations. Extreme delirium with hallucinations, delusions, and lots of paranoia, both at the hospital and then rehab. Once she’s home, the improvement is dramatic.

[Anonymous]

Yes to both hospital-related delirium and to the worsening of dementia long-term after a hospital stay. Be aware that delirium can manifest in very different ways - the PP described hallucinations, which is one direction, but for my dad he basically became catatonic for 6+weeks after what should have been a fairly routine ER visit. The doctors acted like it was NBD and kept assuring us he'd come out of it, but when he finally did, his dementia had progressed significantly and his capabilities - to walk, feed himself, eat solid food - had disintegrated. He lived another 3yrs like that and it was awful.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this is definitely common. I’m so sorry.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it’s very common. I’m sorry. It can go away over time, though. Or not. She probably effects outcome somewhat. How old is she?

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, OP. This happened to my mother as well and I had no idea that this happened. Clearly delusional after surgery (was ok prior). She did come out of it a few days later. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

What kind of surgery, Op?

[Anonymous]

It is a side effect from the anesthesia.

This should always be talked about prior to surgery in anyone over 50.

[Anonymous]

It’s delirium not dementia. It’s different and should fade away. Should improve when back in own living space. My mom hallucinated and acted out and was so confused thinking she was on a cruise ship.
Another thing you should check for is a UTI possibly if she had a catheter she has developed one. UTIs in the elderly population cause very disturbed and delusional behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not uncommon for the elderly to get Hospital related delirium, even without the surgery. Once you add anesthesia, the chance increases.
For some, once they get into a familiar location it goes away after a few days/weeks/months. For others it gets better but they never go back to pre-hospitalization/anesthesia. For others, the decline is permanent.

100% what my mom has experienced with multiple surgeries/hospitalizations. Extreme delirium with hallucinations, delusions, and lots of paranoia, both at the hospital and then rehab. Once she’s home, the improvement is dramatic.

Same. Once home parent slowly got better, until back to normal mentally. But so many don't bring them home for a variety of reasons, so it never improves in the ones who have a fighting chance.