Understanding how surgery and anesthesia affect delirium in older adults with Alzheimer's disease
Postoperative Delirium and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias
This study is looking at how surgery and anesthesia might cause confusion and memory problems in older adults, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's, to help find better ways to prevent and treat these issues after surgery.
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 ID | NIH-10565910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between postoperative delirium (POD) and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD) in older adults. It aims to understand how general anesthesia and surgery can trigger neuroinflammation and delirium-like symptoms in aged individuals, particularly those with genetic predispositions to Alzheimer's. By using a rodent model, researchers will explore the underlying mechanisms of POD and its connection to cognitive decline. The findings could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for delirium in older patients undergoing surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who are undergoing surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 years old or those not undergoing surgery are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing delirium in older adults, potentially reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between postoperative delirium and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights into the mechanisms involved.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Zhongcong — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Xie, Zhongcong
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 below.