Investigating the link between brain inflammation and postoperative delirium in older adults
Official title: Neuroinflammation, Perineural Nets, and Postoperative Delirium
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11158613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the brain during surgery might lead to confusion and memory problems afterward, especially in older adults, and it will check how certain brain structures are affected to help understand these changes better.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $789,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082975-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are scheduled to undergo surgery and may be at risk for postoperative delirium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or who are younger and not at risk for delirium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how neuroinflammation in the aging brain contributes to postoperative delirium (POD) and its potential progression to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By examining the role of perineural nets, which are structures that support neuron function, the study aims to understand how these nets are affected by inflammation during surgery. The research involves using advanced imaging techniques to observe changes in the brain's extracellular matrix and its impact on cognitive outcomes after surgery. Patients may be monitored for signs of delirium and cognitive decline following surgical procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing postoperative delirium and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing neuroinflammation can positively impact cognitive outcomes in older adults, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Shiqian — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shen, Shiqian
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.