Investigating the role of perineuronal nets in postoperative delirium in older adults
Official title: Perineuronal nets: a new player in postoperative delirium?
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10869690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special protective structures around brain cells might affect the chances of older adults experiencing confusion and memory problems after surgery, with the hope of finding new ways to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $161,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG086840-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are undergoing major surgery requiring anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years old or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how perineuronal nets, which are protective structures around certain brain neurons, may influence the occurrence of postoperative delirium in older adults. Postoperative delirium is a serious condition that can affect memory and cognitive function after surgery, particularly in patients aged 65 and older. The study aims to explore the relationship between these nets and cognitive decline, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, the research seeks to identify ways to mitigate the risks associated with delirium following surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that prevent or treat postoperative delirium, improving recovery outcomes for older patients.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have explored related factors in delirium, the specific investigation of perineuronal nets is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lunardi, Nadia — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lunardi, Nadia
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.