Effects of hourly neurological checks on older patients with brain injuries

Impact of Hourly Neurochecks in Critically Ill Older Adults

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11203855

This study is looking at how often doctors check on the brain health of older adults who are very sick in the ICU after a brain injury, to see how it affects their sleep and thinking skills, with the goal of improving their care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11203855 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how frequent neurological examinations, known as neurochecks, affect older adults who are critically ill due to acute brain injuries. The study aims to understand the relationship between sleep disruption in the ICU and the cognitive outcomes of these patients. By analyzing the risks and benefits of different frequencies of neurochecks, the research seeks to optimize care for older patients who are often vulnerable to delirium and cognitive decline. The project is led by a neurocritical care physician with expertise in neuroscience and aging, supported by a team of specialists in related fields.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have suffered an acute brain injury and are receiving care in a neurological intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive outcomes and overall care for critically ill older adults with brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that optimizing care practices in critical settings can significantly improve patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injuryAlzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.