Understanding cognitive recovery in older adults after heart surgery

Enhanced Continuity of Postoperative Care for Older People in Their Neurocognitive Recovery After Cardiac Surgery

Karolinska Institutet · NCT06469515

This study looks at how heart surgery affects the thinking and memory skills of older adults aged 65 and up, and it also gathers insights from their family members about these changes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet (other)
Locations1 site (Gothenburg)
Trial IDNCT06469515 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the neurocognitive function of older adults aged 65 and above following cardiac surgery. It will evaluate the incidence of postoperative cognitive decline and identify risk factors affecting cognitive performance over a period of up to six months post-surgery. The study will also explore the experiences of close relatives regarding the cognitive changes observed in patients. A total of 220 participants will be included, and various cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and executive functions will be measured.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who are scheduled for elective or urgent cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with physical, mental, or cognitive difficulties that prevent them from completing cognitive tests will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive decline in older patients after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success in understanding postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older adults, making this approach both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for elective or urgent open-heart surgery or minimally invasive cardiac surgery
* Resident in the area/region for the current thoracic clinic
* Able to read and understand Swedish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physical, mental, and cognitive difficulties that prevent the individual from completing the cognitive tests
* Undergone surgery within the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg

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, Postoperative Recovery, Cardiac Surgery

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.