Investigating how IL-6 affects cognitive decline after surgery in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease
IL-6 Trans-signaling increases vulnerability to Postoperative Cognitive Decline in Aging and Alzheimers Disease
This study is looking at how a substance called IL-6 might make it harder for older adults and people with Alzheimer's to think clearly after surgery, and it hopes to find ways to lower this risk by blocking IL-6 during and after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187149 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, may increase the risk of cognitive decline following surgery in older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. By using animal models, the study aims to explore the mechanisms behind postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) and how IL-6 trans-signaling contributes to these conditions. The researchers will assess the levels of IL-6 in the brain during the perioperative period and evaluate whether blocking this signaling pathway can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. This approach could lead to new strategies for protecting vulnerable patients during and after surgical procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are scheduled for surgical procedures.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 years old or do not have cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that targeting inflammatory pathways may help mitigate cognitive decline, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maze, Mervyn — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Maze, Mervyn
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 below.