Understanding how blood biomarkers link delirium after surgery to Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Bidirectional relationships between plasma tau phosphorylation markers and postoperative delirium
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11374271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether blood markers of Alzheimer's disease can predict and explain delirium after surgery in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $444,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091405-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) undergoing elective surgery who consent to blood biomarker testing and follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience delirium or show meaningful changes in biomarkers during the study period.
What this research studies
If you’re 65 or older and undergo surgery, researchers will measure blood levels of a specific Alzheimer’s biomarker (pTau217) before and after the procedure to see how these levels relate to delirium that can occur after surgery. The team will track changes in these biomarkers over time to understand how delirium might influence the course of Alzheimer’s pathology. The goal is to learn whether a surgical stress event reveals hidden brain vulnerability and how it could speed up or signal progression toward Alzheimer’s disease. Results could help doctors identify who is at higher risk and tailor care to protect brain health after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to earlier detection and better management of delirium and Alzheimer’s-related changes after surgery, potentially improving outcomes for older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked AD biomarkers with cognitive outcomes, but the bidirectional relationship with postoperative delirium is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acker, Leah — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Acker, Leah
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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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.
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Integrated Brain State Monitor to Help Personalize Anesthesia and Prevent Delirium in Older Adults
A new, brain-monitoring system aims to personalize anesthesia care for older adults and people at risk for Alzheimer's, with the goal of reducing postoperative delirium.
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.