Anesthetic may affect tau spread in the brain to promote Alzheimer's disease pathology

(Massachusetts General Hospital) Previous research has suggested that an inhaled anesthetic called sevoflurane may promote the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease. A new study in cells and mice reveals that sevoflurane causes the Alzheimer's-related protein tau to leave neurons and enter immune cells (microglia) in the brain, ultimately leading to inflammation and cognitive impairment.