Knee surgery — bad for the brain? One in five older adults suffer weakening of brain networks after joint replacement

( Natural News ) Surgery is a major decision for the patient, his or her family, and the attending physician. It requires prolonged hospital confinement, physical preparation, and much expense. Doctors and patients weigh the dangers non-performance of the operation has on the person against his or her chances of getting rid of, or suffering less from, the illness. The hope is that recovery occurs, not necessarily soon, but after a period of the time when the patient has rested, taken his medications, undergone therapy and fulfilled other tasks his physician expects him to do. Most surgeries have potential side effects, but modern science is supposed to have minimized or eliminated these. A University of Florida study, however, showed that 23 percent of adults aged 60 and up who had knee replacement surgery showed decreased activity in at least one region of the brain responsible for cognitive functions, with 15 percent of the participants having a complete mental decline. Researchers wanted to find out what causes problems in a patient’s cognitive functions after they undergo surgery . They used resting-state functional MRI to look at blood flow patterns in the brain while patients were inactive. They also studied imaging data to understand how changes in blood flow influenced connections in brain networks related to memory and how the patients chose people, places, and events that deserve their attention. Dr. Jared Tanner, the study’s co-lead author explained what happened. “Normally synchronized parts of the brain appeared more out of sync after surgery.” 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic and laboratory tested for safety. A multitude of uses, from stress reduction to topical first aid. See the complete listing here , […]

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