Investigating the effects of anesthesia on Alzheimer's disease development
Official title: General Anesthesia and Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathogenesis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10875775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of anesthesia might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients, especially considering whether men and women are impacted differently, to help improve surgical outcomes for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $486,418 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG070761-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing surgery and have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not have Alzheimer's disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how different anesthetics may influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients, particularly focusing on the potential differences in effects based on sex. It aims to identify which anesthetics could be beneficial or harmful in terms of AD neuropathogenesis, specifically looking at the molecular mechanisms involved. The study will utilize both human and transgenic mouse models to assess the impact of anesthetics like isoflurane and sevoflurane compared to desflurane on Tau phosphorylation and cognitive function. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to improve surgical outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer anesthesia practices for patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing cognitive decline post-surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that anesthetics can influence Alzheimer's disease progression, suggesting that this research builds on established findings but focuses on a novel aspect of sex-dependent effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Zhongcong — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Xie, Zhongcong
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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.