Investigating blood biomarkers for cognitive disorders in older adults after surgery
Official title: Phosphorylated Tau as Biomarkers of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder in Older Adults
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10827981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain blood markers can help doctors figure out which older adults might be at risk for memory and thinking problems after surgery, so they can provide better care and support before the operation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $210,348 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG081763-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults scheduled for surgery who may be at risk for cognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or are younger than the typical geriatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific blood biomarkers, Tau-PT217 and Tau-PT181, can indicate the risk of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in older adults undergoing surgery. By measuring these biomarkers before surgery using advanced nanoneedle technology, the study aims to identify patients at higher risk for complications like postoperative delirium. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between inflammation and cognitive outcomes in these patients. The goal is to improve patient care by potentially guiding preoperative assessments and interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and management of cognitive risks in older adults undergoing surgery, ultimately improving their postoperative outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that blood biomarkers can be effective in predicting cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yiying — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yiying
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.