Identifying protein markers linked to delirium and cognitive decline in older heart surgery patients
Official title: Proteomic Signatures of Delirium and Longterm Cognitive Decline in Older Cardiac Surgical Patients
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11108056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,631,690 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG092960-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108056 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 scheduled for cardiac surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not undergoing cardiac surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between specific proteins and the risk of developing delirium and long-term cognitive decline in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. By analyzing blood samples from patients, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict which individuals are at higher risk for these complications. The approach includes utilizing advanced proteomic technology to assess changes in protein levels before and after surgery, allowing for targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. The findings could lead to better preoperative assessments and tailored treatments for at-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and management of older patients at risk for delirium and cognitive decline after cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying biomarkers for delirium and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramaniam, Balachundhar — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Subramaniam, Balachundhar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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From Cells to Society: Epigenetics and Brain Vulnerability to Delirium and Cognitive Decline
Researchers will study how DNA methylation patterns (epigenetics) relate to a “vulnerable brain” that could lead to delirium and cognitive decline, especially after major surgery.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.