Studying Neuroinflammation and Memory Changes After Heart Surgery in Patients 60 and Older

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying cognitive changes that often occur after heart surgery, such as postoperative delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and postoperative neurocognitive disorder PNCD. These changes can range from mild to severe and may affect patients quality of life. The study aims to identify easy ways to detect PNCD, which affects about 40% of cardiac surgery patients aged 60 and older, by using short neurophysiological assessments and blood markers of brain inflammation. Participants will have neurophysiological tests before surgery and at two follow-up times about 6 days and 40 days after surgery. They will be monitored daily for delirium while in the intensive care unit using standard tools. Blood samples will be collected at several points before and after surgery to measure markers related to brain inflammation. The study does not involve any experimental treatments but observes patients closely during their routine care. During the study, patients will complete assessments of recovery quality, muscle strength, fatigue, and quality of life at specified times before and after surgery. Researchers will also review medical data such as length of hospital stay and complications. The main measure is the occurrence of PNCD as detected by cognitive testing 40 days after surgery. The study will continue monitoring patients through October 2026 to better understand cognitive outcomes after cardiac surgery in older adults.

The Role of Neuroinflammation on Neurocognitive Outcome in Cardiac Surgery