Memory fog after surgery? Your pre-op meals may be why

A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University suggests that eating a high-fat diet in the days leading up to surgery can have serious implications for memory and cognitive function – not only in older adults but also in younger patients. Results indicate a heightened inflammatory response in the brain, which can have lasting effects for weeks after a procedure.

Importantly, the study also discovered that taking a DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplement for a month leading up to surgery and before an unhealthy diet was effective in preventing memory impairments. This suggests a potential preemptive strategy for individuals at higher risk.