Investigating brain responses to anesthetics in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

Low Neurophysiologic Resistance to Anesthetics as a Marker of Preclinical/Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease and Neurovascular Pathology, Delirium risk and Inattention

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11080931

This study is looking at how brain activity changes when older adults are given anesthesia, to see if it can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease and identify those who might be at risk for confusion after surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080931 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how changes in brain activity in response to anesthetics may indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. It examines the relationship between amyloid beta deposits in the brain and the risk of developing delirium after surgery. By analyzing brain responses during anesthesia, the study aims to identify markers that could help predict which patients are at higher risk for cognitive decline. This could lead to better preoperative assessments and tailored interventions for older surgical patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are scheduled for surgery and may have early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without any signs of cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease and improve their surgical outcomes by minimizing the risk of delirium.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that monitoring brain activity in response to anesthetics can provide insights into cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable findings.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.