How high blood pressure and aging affect confusion after surgery
Official title: Impact of hypertension and aging on postoperative delirium
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11138800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood pressure and getting older can cause confusion after surgery, especially in older adults, and it aims to find ways to help those who might be at risk for this problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,801 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG093936-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are undergoing surgical procedures and have a history of hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a history of hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hypertension and aging contribute to postoperative delirium, a common complication that can hinder recovery in older adults after surgery. By studying the effects of chronic high blood pressure on the brain, the research aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to confusion and cognitive decline following surgical procedures. The study will utilize animal models to explore the role of specific brain cells and inflammatory responses in this process, providing insights that could lead to better management strategies for at-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for postoperative delirium in older adults, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between hypertension and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights into postoperative delirium.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terrando, Niccolo — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Terrando, Niccolo
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A study at Duke University looks at how an inflammatory protein called lipocalin-2 may trigger delirium after surgery, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
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Commercialization of an EEG-guided anesthesia system to reduce delirium in older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer’s
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Delirium after surgery and its link to Alzheimer's and related dementias
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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.