Major surgery often produces cognitive dysfunction, usually temporary, but for some, long-lasting. It has been suggested that the problem might have to do with the immune system's inflammatory response. A new mouse study provides more evidence for this.
The study found that giving the mice a common inhibitor of the inflammatory response (anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody), before orthopedic surgery, decreased postoperative cognitive decline. It’s hoped human clinical testing of this approach will begin within a year.
Interestingly, the curry spice curcurmin, and catechins found in green tea, are also said to inhibit the tumor necrosis factor. Both of these have been implicated in reducing dementia and age-related cognitive impairment.
Reference:
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(2010). Tumor necrosis factor- triggers a cytokine cascade yielding postoperative cognitive decline.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.