Investigating how genetic risk and inflammation affect brain health in older adults.
Official title: Brain Vulnerability in Delirium and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Intersection of Polygenic Risk and Inflammation
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10987037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes linked to Alzheimer's and other dementias work with inflammation to affect brain health in older adults, especially after things like surgery or infections, to help identify those who might be at greater risk for memory problems.
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 | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079864-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who may have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a genetic risk for Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how genetic factors related to Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias interact with inflammation to influence brain health in older adults. By examining the genetic predisposition of individuals, the study seeks to identify those who may be at higher risk for developing conditions like delirium and cognitive decline, especially after experiencing inflammatory events such as surgery or infections. The approach involves analyzing multiple genetic markers rather than focusing on single genes, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. This research could lead to better identification of vulnerable individuals and inform preventive strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline and delirium in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between genetic risk factors and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasunilashorn, Sarinnapha — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vasunilashorn, Sarinnapha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Low brain changes from anesthesia may signal early Alzheimer's risk
A study at Stanford will look at whether brain responses to anesthesia during surgery reveal early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease and delirium risk in people aged 65 and up.
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Brain circuits behind confusion after surgery in early Alzheimer's
This project looks at whether activating two tiny brain centers can prevent or shorten sudden confusion after anesthesia in people with early Alzheimer's.
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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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How genes and inflammation may raise risk for delirium and Alzheimer's in older adults
This project looks at whether older adults with higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's plus inflammation from events like surgery or infection are more likely to get delirium, faster memory decline, or dementia.
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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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Investigating brain responses to anesthetics in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
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.
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.