Exploring how aging affects brain inflammation after surgery
Understanding the role of senescence on post-operative neuroinflammation
This study looks at how surgery affects the brains of older people, especially those with Alzheimer's, to understand why they might have more problems like confusion after an operation, and it hopes to find ways to keep their brains healthier during recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10520248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how surgical trauma impacts brain function in older patients, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on the blood-brain barrier, which regulates interactions between the brain and the rest of the body, and how its dysfunction can lead to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. By using a mouse model that mimics orthopedic surgery, the study aims to understand why older adults are more prone to postoperative complications like delirium. The findings could help identify mechanisms that worsen brain health in the elderly after surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with existing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have any neurodegenerative conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and delirium in older patients undergoing surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction can lead to significant advancements in treating postoperative complications in older adults.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varghese, Shyni — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Varghese, Shyni
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.