Investigating breath compounds and biomarkers to understand postoperative delirium in older adults
Official title: Exhaled volatile organic compounds, phospho-tau and postoperative delirium
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10732133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can better predict confusion after surgery in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's or similar conditions, by checking their breath and blood samples, and it’s designed for patients aged 65 and older who are having spine surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083656-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10732133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly patients aged 65 and older who are scheduled for spine surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those not undergoing spine surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. It aims to identify unique patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath of patients who experience POD compared to those who do not. By analyzing these breath samples alongside blood biomarkers like phospho-tau, the study seeks to develop a non-invasive method for predicting POD, which can be performed at the bedside. The research will involve 150 patients aged 65 and older undergoing spine surgery, with the goal of improving early detection and management of POD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a non-invasive method for early detection of postoperative delirium, improving outcomes for elderly patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using breath analysis for various medical conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finan, Patrick — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Finan, Patrick
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.