My father has always been a NPD, but after hip replacement 15 years ago, his social skills really went downhill and his behavior began to get unusual. It was so gradual that we did not really think about it at the time. Now that he has full blown dementia, we realize that his behavior really changed after the surgery?
Could he have had a stroke or event during that surgery that triggered dementia?
Yes, this is the man that drove into the bank lobby and refused to stop driving for many more years. I am wondering if he had a TIA then? He has no diagnosis or history of stroke.
So, in short, I am wondering if anesthesia or surgery can trigger the onset of alz/dementia. His MD seems unwilling to form any speculation. Any theories?
If he now has full blown dementia there would be little to be done with or without a definite cause other than symptom control. His MD can not speculate without facts.
A neurologist might be able to order tests and evaluations that might give them more information. In many cases, putting the patient through that is not beneficial as it would not change the course of treatment. I would pursue it if it was necessary to help with treatment, but only in that case.
But right now, we can only speculate about when a particular case of dementia started.