#459 Memory Impairment from Prescribed Drugs or Supplements

Heart bypass surgery can be associated with cognitive decline in some patients. Even five years later more than 40 percent of patients can be affected. What causes this mental deterioration and can it be prevented? Other kinds of major surgery may also be associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment. What about prescription drugs? Some common medicines may affect memory and mental functioning. What can patients do to detect problems and stay mentally sharp in the face of needed surgery or prescription medications? GUESTS: Hilary Grocott, MD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Murali Doraiswamy, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Biological Psychiatry Duke University Medical Center.