Investigating biomarkers to understand postoperative delirium and cognitive decline
Official title: Examining CSF and Blood Biomarkers to Gain Insight into Postoperative Delirium and Neurocognitive Dysfunction
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11023963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain markers in your blood and spinal fluid to understand why some people experience confusion or memory problems after surgery, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's, so we can learn how surgery might affect your brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $805,295 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG090600-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for surgery who may be at risk for postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those without risk factors for cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the role of specific biomarkers found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood to uncover the causes of postoperative delirium and neurocognitive dysfunction that can occur after surgery. By analyzing these biomarkers, the study aims to identify pathways that lead to cognitive decline, particularly in patients at risk for conditions like Alzheimer's Disease. The approach includes collecting and analyzing serial measurements of CSF and blood samples from patients during and after their surgical procedures. This could help in understanding how surgical interventions might impact brain health and cognitive function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline in patients undergoing surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to understand Alzheimer's Disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into postoperative cognitive issues as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Charles Hugh — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Brown, Charles Hugh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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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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.
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Intraoperative EEG-Guided Anesthesia to Reduce Delirium in Older Adults and Those with Alzheimer’s or Related Dementias
A new system uses brainwave monitoring during surgery to tailor anesthesia and reduce delirium risk in older patients and those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
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Understanding how blood biomarkers link delirium after surgery to Alzheimer’s disease
This study tests whether blood markers of Alzheimer's disease can predict and explain delirium after surgery in older adults.
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Neuroinflammation, Protective Brain Scaffolds, and Delirium After Surgery
This project looks at why older people often get delirium after surgery and how brain tissues called perineural nets might influence this, with the goal of improving outcomes for people at risk of Alzheimer’s-related conditions.
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.