Investigating the link between delirium and long-term cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Delirium, Long-Term Cognition and the Dementia Pathological Trajectory
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10757413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how confusion during serious illness might affect thinking skills later on and could be linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it's for patients who have experienced delirium to help find ways to protect their brain health in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $87,145 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080420-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced sepsis and subsequent delirium, particularly those without prior cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have pre-existing cognitive deficits or who have not experienced delirium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how delirium, a sudden state of confusion often seen in critically ill patients, may contribute to long-term cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. By examining the relationship between acute brain dysfunction and the pathological changes associated with dementia, the study aims to identify biomarkers that could indicate neuronal injury. Patients will be monitored for cognitive function changes following episodes of delirium, providing insights into the mechanisms that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. The research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for preventing cognitive decline in at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in patients who experience delirium.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between delirium and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Christopher — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Christopher
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Serum drug levels and metabolism to shorten delirium and protect memory in older adults
This research tests whether measuring serum levels of psychotropic drugs and how people metabolize them can help shorten delirium and protect long-term thinking in adults aged 65 and older who are hospitalized.
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.