Markers of Alzheimers Disease and Cognitive Outcomes After Perioperative Care

Markers of Alzheimers Disease and Cognitive Outcomes After Perioperative Care

This study will examine the hypothesis that changes in the cognition (i.e. thinking and memory) after anesthesia and surgery are correlated with changes in markers of Alzheimers Disease in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord (i.e. cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF), and/or changes in brain connectivity. The investigators will also examine whether different types of anesthesia have different effects on these CSF markers of Alzheimers disease, or different effects on thinking and memory after anesthesia and surgery, or differential effects on the correlation between cognitive changes and CSF marker changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Surgical patients 60 years of age or older
• Surgery scheduled to last at least 2 hours (including time for anesthesia induction, etc)
• English speaking ability.
• Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inmate of a correctional facility (i.e. prisoners).
• Pregnancy
• Documented or suspected family or personal history of malignant hyperthermia.
• Patient unable to receive either propofol or isoflurane due to allergy or other specific contraindication.