How surgery affects brain function in older adults with dementia.
Official title: Immunovascular interactions in postoperative delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD).
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10524797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how surgery affects the brains of older adults with dementia, especially how inflammation from the surgery might lead to confusion or delirium, and it aims to find ways to help these patients feel better after their operations.
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 start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,244,681 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG079138-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10524797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with dementia who are scheduled for surgical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dementia or those who are not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of surgical trauma on brain function in older adults, particularly those with pre-existing dementia. It focuses on understanding how systemic inflammation from surgery can lead to delirium, a serious condition that can worsen outcomes for these patients. By using a mouse model that mimics delirium-like behavior after orthopedic surgery, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind blood-brain barrier dysfunction and neuroinflammation. The ultimate goal is to identify ways to mitigate these effects and improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for preventing delirium in older adults undergoing surgery, potentially improving their recovery and overall outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that systemic inflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction are critical factors in neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terrando, Niccolo — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Terrando, Niccolo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Commercialization of an EEG-guided anesthesia system to reduce delirium in older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer’s
A new wireless EEG-guided anesthesia system aims to reduce postoperative delirium in seniors and people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s by personalizing brain monitoring during surgery.
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How surgery-related inflammation affects brain blood vessels in people with dementia
This project aims to find how inflammation from surgery harms the brain's blood vessels and leads to sudden delirium in older adults with dementia.
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Continuous wearable monitor with AI to prevent agitation and delirium in hospitalized older adults
A wearable sensor and AI system will continuously track agitation in older hospital patients to help prevent delirium and protect brain health.
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Why dementia and sudden confusion (delirium) often happen together
This project looks at brain electrical signals and chemical changes to find why people with dementia sometimes develop sudden confusion called delirium.
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Lipocalin-2 and delirium after surgery in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
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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Delirium after surgery and its link to Alzheimer's and related dementias
This project looks at why older adults and people with or at risk for Alzheimer's can get delirium after surgery and how that might increase later dementia risk.
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.