[mollynme]

Actually, there have been numerous studies that concluded that memeory problems are a not-uncommon complication of open heart surgery, especially if the heart-lung machine was used.
Researchers used to think that it also caused dementia but more recent studies have pretty much disproved that. (IIRC)

[El Gran Salseron]

I had triple-bypass surgery in 1988. I experienced none of the so-called "pain" and "mental problems" as explained on this thread.....certainly not dementia.

Any time anyone undergoes anesthesia there are short-term memory problems/slight confusion but those problems disappear after a week or so.....maybe two weeks.