The role of gut bacteria in how older adults respond to surgery and anesthesia
Official title: Gut Microbiota Underlies the Heterogeneity of Aging Brain's Susceptibility to Postoperative Delirium
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10891759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect whether older adults experience confusion after surgery, and it aims to find clues that could help predict who might be at risk for this 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 | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $648,974 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG070141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891759 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 scheduled for surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not undergoing surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why some older adults develop postoperative delirium (POD) after surgery while others do not. It focuses on the gut microbiota, the community of microbes in the digestive system, and how it may influence cognitive function and susceptibility to POD. By studying the differences in gut bacteria between patients who experience POD and those who remain resilient, the research aims to identify biological markers that could predict risk. The approach includes analyzing fecal samples and conducting metabolomic studies to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing postoperative delirium in older adults, potentially improving their surgical outcomes and cognitive health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
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
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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.
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.