Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's Pathology in POCD

Summary

The purpose of this project is to investigate the role of both neural inflammation and pre-existing neurodegenerative pathology in the risk and pathogenesis of post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). To achieve this goal, the investigators will combine blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, standardized cognitive tests, and dynamic neurophysiological markers of cortical network dysfunction in the form of event-related potentials (ERPs), to assess the link between neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of POCD.

Conditions

• Post-Operative Confusion
• Neuroinflammatory Response
• Alzheimer Disease

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Cognitive evaluation of short term memory, visuospatial abilities, executive functioning, attention, concentration, working memory, language, and orientation to time and place

BEHAVIORAL

Stroop Test

Evaluates Processing Speed and Executive Control

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

4AT Delirium

Screening tool to test for delirium post surgery

BEHAVIORAL

Grooved Pegboard

Evaluation testing for dominant and non dominant sensory-motor speed

BEHAVIORAL

NACC Cognitive Battery

A series of tests that evaluate attention, concentration, immediate verbal memory, immediate visual memory, discrimination, processing/motor speed, and validity and effort.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

ERP Testing

An event-related potential ( ERP) is the measured brain response that is the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event. More formally, it is any stereotyped electrophysiological response to a stimulus. The study of the brain in this way provides a noninvasive means of evaluating brain functioning.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Blood Plasma and Serum sampling

Up to six 4 ml samples of both serum and plasma will be obtained to assess for inflammatory markers.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Cerebral Spinal Fluid Sample

At the time the spinal is placed for anesthetic purposes, 2ml of cerebral spinal fluid will be obtained to assess for inflammatory markers.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Alzheimer's Association

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Robert M Craft, MD · University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-11-01

Primary Completion

2022-06-30

Completion

2022-09-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations