Creating a platform for personalized anesthesia in older surgical patients

Building a Platform for Precision Anesthesia in the Geriatric Surgical Patient

Observational Stanford University · NCT03839784

This study is trying to create a personalized approach to anesthesia for older patients having surgery by collecting data to help predict and prevent memory and thinking problems after the procedure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT03839784 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to establish a comprehensive database to support a precision medicine approach for geriatric patients undergoing surgery with anesthesia. The study will collect demographic data, risk factor questionnaires, biobanked blood samples, intraoperative EEG readings, and cognitive assessments from patients starting at their preoperative appointment and continuing for up to a year post-surgery. The goal is to develop a predictive model for perioperative neurocognitive disorders, addressing issues like cognitive decline and postoperative delirium.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 and older who are scheduled for non-cardiac general elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia for two or more hours.

Not a fit: Patients with Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, or other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as those on certain medications for depression, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anesthesia protocols that minimize cognitive risks for elderly patients during and after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on cognitive outcomes in surgical patients have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 65 years old (inclusive)
* Non cardiac general elective surgery
* General anesthesia is expected for 2+ hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Alzheimer's
* Dementia
* Parkinson's
* History of neurodegenerative diseases
* Medication for depression (ie. Benzodiazepines)
* Alcoholism
* Discretion of PI

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cognitive DeclineCognitive ChangeCognitive ImpairmentPostoperative DeliriumAnesthesiaReactionAdverse Effect
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.