Cognitive training to prevent cognitive decline after heart surgery
Official title: Increasing Preoperative Cognitive Reserve to Prevent Postoperative Delirium and Postoperative Cognitive Decline in Cardiac Surgical Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial on Cognitive Training
Run by Heart and Brain Research Group, Germany · NCT04493996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if doing brain exercises before heart surgery can help prevent memory problems and confusion after the surgery for patients undergoing elective cardiac procedures.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Heart and Brain Research Group, Germany Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bad Nauheim) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 14, 2020 |
| Main results expected | March 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04493996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery who have a good understanding of the German language.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of stroke or preexisting psychiatric or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to prevent postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery by enhancing their cognitive reserve through preoperative cognitive training. It is a randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients who will either participate in a home-based cognitive training program or serve as a control group without any intervention. The cognitive training consists of standardized paper-and-pencil exercises performed for about 40 minutes daily over a period of 2-3 weeks before surgery. The study will assess the impact of this training on the incidence of postoperative delirium and cognitive decline during hospitalization and at follow-up three months post-surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of cognitive decline and delirium in cardiac surgery patients, improving their postoperative recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with cognitive training interventions in similar patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic or mitral valve replacement/reconstruction, or combination surgery) with standardized extracorporeal circulation * A sufficiently good knowledge of German is necessary as cognitive training and neuropsychological tests are language-dependent Exclusion Criteria: * History of stroke and preexisting psychiatric or neurological disorders that may impair the neuropsychological performance
Where it's running
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Department of Cardiac Surgery, Kerckhoff-Klinik GmbH
Bad Nauheim, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marius Butz, Dipl.-Psych. — Department of Cardiac Surgery, Kerckhoff Clinic Bad Nauheim
- Study coordinator: Marius Butz, Dipl.-Psych.
- Email: m.butz@kerckhoff-klinik.de
- Phone: +496032 996 5812
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Risk of delirium and cognitive problems after TUR-P in older adults
This study tests whether certain perioperative factors can predict delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in people aged 65 and older undergoing transurethral resection.
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Daridorexant to prevent delirium after heart surgery
This study will test whether taking daridorexant the first three nights after heart surgery can reduce postoperative delirium and improve sleep in people aged 60 and older.
-
Assessing brain activity patterns to predict postoperative delirium
This study is testing if monitoring brain activity during head and neck or plastic surgery can help predict if patients will experience confusion or memory problems afterwards.
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Monitoring brain health during non-cardiac surgery in older patients
This study looks at the best blood pressure levels to keep during non-heart surgeries for older patients to help protect their brain health.
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Comparing Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Propofol for Preventing Delirium After Surgery
This study is testing whether using desflurane instead of sevoflurane or propofol during surgery can help older patients avoid confusion and delirium afterwards.
-
Personalized cardiac anaesthesia and its effects on neurological outcomes in heart surgery patients
This study is testing if personalized blood pressure management during heart surgery can help prevent neurological problems in patients.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.