Using a quick thinking-and-memory check plus a wireless brain monitor to reduce thinking problems after surgery in older adults
Official title: Developing a novel system combining cognitive assessment with PASCALL FDA-cleared intraoperative anesthesia EEG brain monitor to prevent postoperative neurocognitive disorders in aging patients
Funded at Pascall Systems, Incorporated · NIH-11375766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project pairs a short thinking and memory check with a wireless brain monitor during surgery to help people 65 and older avoid memory and thinking problems afterward.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pascall Systems, Incorporated NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $998,162 |
| NIH project number | 4R42AG084399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people aged 65 and older who will receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure and can complete brief cognitive testing.
✕Less likely to help
People under 65, patients not receiving general anesthesia, or those with severe preexisting dementia may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would get a brief cognitive check (before and after surgery) that is linked to PASCALL’s FDA-cleared wireless EEG worn during the operation. An algorithm combines your cognitive test results and real-time brain signals to warn the anesthesia team if you are becoming over‑sedated and at higher risk for postoperative thinking problems. The device and software are designed for use in the operating room for people age 65 and older who receive general anesthesia. The aim is to give personalized guidance to anesthesiologists so you are less likely to have long-term cognitive complications after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the chance of over‑sedation during surgery and reduce postoperative neurocognitive problems in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of EEG‑guided anesthesia have shown mixed results, so combining pre/post cognitive checks with a wireless EEG and an integrated algorithm is a newer and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pascall Systems, Incorporated
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le Mau, Tuan — Pascall Systems, Incorporated
- Study coordinator: Le Mau, Tuan
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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.