Investigating how sleep disturbances may predict delirium and Alzheimer's disease after heart surgery
Official title: Sleep-Wake Disturbance as a Predictor of Delirium and Subsequent Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11035126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems might affect the chances of developing confusion or Alzheimer's disease in older adults who are having heart valve surgery, and it aims to help doctors better care for these patients by tracking their sleep and thinking skills before and after the surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,040 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG072383-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are scheduled for surgical aortic valve replacement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement or those with pre-existing severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between sleep-wake disturbances and the risk of developing delirium and Alzheimer's disease in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. By using actigraphy and home sleep tests, the study aims to objectively assess sleep patterns before surgery and their potential link to postoperative cognitive issues. The goal is to improve care for older adults by identifying those at higher risk for these conditions, ultimately enhancing clinical outcomes. Participants will be monitored over time to gather data on their sleep and cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for delirium and Alzheimer's disease in at-risk patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking sleep disturbances to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oldham, Mark Alan — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Oldham, Mark Alan
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.