In recent years, scientists found that Alzheimer's disease is not due to the deposit and accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain. The emerging data suggest that Alzheimer's disease is characterized by substantial neuroinflammation leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. In addition, poorly controlled blood sugar may significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This strong correlation between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease led to the new name called “diabetes of the brain” or “type 3 diabetes (T3D)”. The new discoveries offer new insights into the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, there is still limited knowledge on how these factors directly influence the progression of the disease and interact with anesthesia management. With the new insights into Alzheimer's disease, anesthesia professionals would have a deeper understanding of disease progression, leading to developing more personalized and effective perioperative strategies to improve the outcome.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and explain the emerging pathophysiological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, including neuroinflammation and brain insulin resistance, and their implications for anesthesia management.
Develop and implement anesthesia care plans that are tailored to the unique needs of patients with Alzheimer's disease, incorporating strategies to mitigate the risks associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
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