Evaluation of cognitive dysfunction after surgery

Retrospective Evaluation of POCD Data of Studies From the Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK) Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT02832193

This study looks at how surgery might affect thinking and memory in patients by comparing their cognitive performance before and after the operation to those who didn't have surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany (other)
Locations2 sites (Berlin and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02832193 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational registry collects data on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (pNCD) from patients undergoing elective surgeries lasting at least 60 minutes. It employs a variety of cognitive tests, both computerized and paper-based, to assess cognitive performance before and after surgery at multiple follow-up points. The study aims to estimate the prevalence and incidence of pNCDs by comparing surgical patients' cognitive outcomes with non-surgical control groups, using established cognitive assessment methodologies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 100 who are scheduled for elective surgeries lasting at least 60 minutes.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological deficits, severe impairments in hearing or vision, or those unable to communicate in German may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve understanding and management of cognitive dysfunction following surgery, leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored postoperative cognitive dysfunction, but this specific approach of a comprehensive observational registry is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study Group

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 -100 years
* Male or female patients undergoing elective surgery expected to last at least 60 min, screened at the Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
* Written informed consent to participate after having been properly instructed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lacking willingness to take part in the study, or to have relevant study data collected, saved and analyzed for the purpose of the study
* Accommodation in an institution due to an official or judicial order
* Insufficient knowledge of German language
* Members of the hospital staff
* Homelessness or other conditions that disable reachability for postoperative assessment by post or telephone
* Illiteracy
* Patients who had a history of neurologic deficits (e.g. stroke, history of seizures, etc.)
* Hearing impairment that severely affects the neuropsychological testing.
* Visual impairment that severely affects the neuropsychological testing.
* Participation in other prospective clinical interventional trials

Control Group

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 - 100 years
* Male or female patients (ASA Status I, II+III)
* No planned surgery during the next 3 months
* No surgery during the past 6 months before study inclusion
* Written informed consent to participate after having been properly instructed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Insufficient knowledge of German language Lacking willingness to take part in the study, or to have relevant study data collected, saved and analyzed for the purpose of the study
* Neuropsychiatric conditions that severely affect the neuropsychological testing
* Hearing impairment that severely affects the neuropsychological testing
* Visual impairment that severely affects the neuropsychological testing

Where this trial is running

Berlin and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.