From Cells to Society: Epigenetics and Brain Vulnerability to Delirium and Cognitive Decline

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project looks at how epigenetic changes tied to stress influence which people are more likely to experience delirium or faster cognitive decline, including progression toward Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing DNA methylation and social factors like income and education, the study aims to identify individuals who may be at higher risk during acute stress. The team plans to connect biological signals with clinical outcomes to better predict who might need closer monitoring and intervention after surgery. The work builds on prior findings to move beyond genetics and examine how experience and biology together shape brain resilience in older adults.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Boston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Vasunilashorn, Sarinnapha — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Vasunilashorn, Sarinnapha

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• DNA markers to predict delirium and lasting memory problems after surgery in older adults with dementia

  This project looks for DNA-based signals that might help identify older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia who are likely to get delirium or long-term thinking problems after surgery.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11321269

• Proteomic signatures linking delirium, aging, and Alzheimer's risk

  The team looks for blood protein patterns that predict which older adults may get sudden confusion after surgery and which people later have lasting memory decline or dementia.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11238069

• Understanding how epigenetics affects delirium and cognitive decline in elderly patients with dementia

  This study is looking at how changes in our genes might help us understand the risk of confusion and memory problems after surgery in older adults with dementia, so we can find better ways to spot and help those who might be at risk.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11174306

• Identifying protein markers linked to delirium and cognitive decline in older heart surgery patients

  This study is looking at how certain proteins in the blood might help us understand which older patients are more likely to experience confusion or memory problems after heart surgery, so we can find ways to better support those at risk.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11108056

• Arginine changes in people who develop delirium and thinking problems after surgery

  This project looks at whether changes in arginine-related chemicals in spinal fluid are linked to delirium and later thinking problems in older adults having surgery.

  NIH research William Beaumont Hospital Research Inst · Royal Oak, United States · NIH-11092712

• Understanding how delirium relates to biological age in older adults with brain injuries

  This study is looking at how delirium relates to biological age in older adults who have had mild brain injuries, with the goal of finding ways to better understand and treat delirium to help improve health outcomes for these patients.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10973533

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.