The research findings of the Duke DREAM Team have shown that many people suffer a decline in their memory after having surgery that requires anesthesia. Up to 80 percent of patients who undergo heart surgery experience some type of memory decline at hospital discharge. Forty-two percent of heart surgery patients continue to experience memory deficits five years after surgery. In non-heart surgery patients, 59 percent experience memory decline at hospital discharge and 42 percent continue to experience memory loss two years after surgery.

Research has allowed us to increase our understanding of the complex phenomena of memory decline. However, our understanding is incomplete. Our researchers are still in the process of identifying and closely investigating possible risk factors. Some theories include: that some patients may be at higher risk of memory decline than others, that anesthetic agents may affect memory, and that certain interventions performed during surgery may contribute to the outcome of short- and long-term memory function. The Duke DREAM Team is currently investigating interventions performed that may impact the overall patient outcome. We have channeled significant efforts and resources to areas of research that are focused on defining interventions and developing medical innovations that will prevent complications such as brain injury.