Understanding and preventing memory issues after surgery in older adults
Official title: Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder - Strategies for Prevention or Reversal Based on Molecular ad Cellular Mechanisms
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11073089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older can impact memory and thinking skills after surgery, especially for older adults, and it aims to find ways to help improve or protect these skills during recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153232-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073089 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60 and above who are scheduled for surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 60 or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects cognitive function after surgery, particularly focusing on postoperative neurocognitive disorder (poNCD). It aims to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to memory decline in older adults undergoing anesthesia. By studying the role of specific receptors in the brain, the research seeks to identify strategies that could prevent or reverse cognitive impairments associated with surgery. The approach includes testing various compounds that may enhance cognitive function and mitigate memory loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing memory problems in older adults after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in animal models regarding the modulation of specific receptors to improve cognitive outcomes after anesthesia, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudolph, Uwe — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Rudolph, Uwe
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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.