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February 25, 2025 – Maastricht, Netherlands – A new study has found that prolonged exposure to general anesthesia during surgical procedures may contribute to long-term cognitive decline. The research, conducted in the Netherlands, indicates that individuals who undergo multiple surgeries requiring general anesthesia may experience deficits in executive function, selective attention, and information processing speed.
Study Highlights
Researchers from Maastricht University Medical Center assessed the long-term cognitive impact of anesthesia exposure over a follow-up period of 12 years. The study included 1,823 adults (mean age 51.1 years; 50.1% men) without prior psychiatric or neurologic conditions. Participants self-reported their surgical history, including the number and types of procedures they had undergone.
An experienced anesthesiologist estimated the total duration of general anesthesia for each participant based on the reported surgeries, categorizing exposure into four groups: less than 30 minutes, 30 minutes to 1 hour, 1-3 hours, and more than 3 hours. On average, participants spent 82.56 minutes under anesthesia.
To evaluate cognitive function, the study utilized neuropsychological tests, including the Stroop Color Word Test and the Concept Shifting Test. These assessments measured changes in cognitive domains such as verbal memory, executive function, selective attention, and mental processing speed at baseline, six years, and 12 years.
Key Findings
The study found that greater exposure to general anesthesia was significantly associated with cognitive decline in multiple domains:
- Executive function declined in individuals with prolonged exposure (P < .05).
- Selective attention and mental speed showed a significant reduction (P < .001).
- Information processing speed was also negatively affected (P < .005).
Additionally, older participants and those with lower levels of education exhibited greater cognitive decline. Health-related factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, further exacerbated the impact on cognitive function.
Implications for Medical Practice
The researchers emphasized the importance of lifestyle management in mitigating the risk of cognitive decline. “Our study indicates that prolonged exposure to surgery under general anesthesia during an individual’s lifetime significantly affects long-term cognitive decline,” the study authors stated. “Lifestyle management and prevention remain crucial for promoting healthy cognitive aging and could play a significant role in managing the aging surgical population.”
Study Limitations
The study relied on self-reported surgical histories, which may introduce recall bias. Additionally, data on intra- and postoperative complications were unavailable, potentially affecting anesthesia exposure estimates. The study also did not account for changes in anesthesia practices, including the transition to total intravenous anesthesia, which may influence the findings.
Publication and Source
The research was led by Christoph H. Pennings from Maastricht University Medical Center and was published online on February 18, 2025, in the European Journal of Anaesthesiology. The study did not receive specific funding, and the authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals concerned about cognitive decline should consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
