MSI Press Blog

  Every few months, a headline circulates claiming that “anesthesia causes permanent memory loss in older adults.” The implication is that anyone over 70 should avoid surgery, avoid colonoscopies, avoid endoscopies, avoid anything that requires sedation. It’s an alarming message — and an oversimplified one. The truth is more nuanced, and far more useful. 1. Anesthesia itself is not the main culprit The grogginess, disorientation, or silly comments people make while waking up from anesthesia are not signs of brain injury. That phase is called emergence , and it clears within minutes to hours. It does not predict long‑term cognitive problems. The research points instead to a different phenomenon: postoperative delirium . 2. Delirium is the real risk factor Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and awareness. It can appear hours or even days after surgery — long after the anesthetic drugs have worn off. It may be dramatic (agitation, hallucinations) or quiet (with...

  Lewy Body Dementia is one of the most complex—and often one of the most misunderstood—forms of dementia. Families usually notice that something is changing, but the changes don’t fit neatly into the patterns they expect from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. That’s because LBD sits at the crossroads of both: it affects thinking , movement , behavior , sleep , and even the body’s automatic functions like blood pressure and digestion. A Disease of Misplaced Proteins At the heart of LBD are tiny protein deposits called Lewy bodies . These clumps form inside brain cells and interfere with how neurons communicate. Over time, this disrupts memory, attention, movement, mood, and the sleep‑wake cycle. There are two related forms of the disease: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): cognitive changes—confusion, attention problems, hallucinations—appear first. Parkinson’s disease dementia: movement symptoms come first, with cognitive decline developing later. What Families Often Notice First LBD ...

  Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care by Mark Wilson reached #299 in Alzheimer's and #326 in dementia. Book Description Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care offers a powerful and practical roadmap for family caregivers who want more than just survival-they want their loved ones to thrive. When leadership expert Mark left a 20-year corporate career to care for his mother with Alzheimer's, he approached caregiving with the same breakthrough mindset that had driven his professional success. The result was nothing short of extraordinary: his mother experienced more joy, better health, and greater longevity than anyone thought possible. Part memoir and part how-to guide, this compelling book blends personal reflection with research-based insights and practical tools that help families transform their Alzheimer's care experience. Readers will find detailed guidance on how to: Design a daily routine that supports physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Apply nutrition and brai...