2024 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)

CODEX Trial

Can a readily available medication help prevent a cognitive disorder that can occur after surgery?

Stephen Choi, Ph.D.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
Toronto, Canada

Background

Older adults who undergo surgery are at higher risk for developing postoperative neurocognitive disorder (P-NCD), a condition that involves changes in memory, thinking, and problem-solving. Changes due to P-NCD can be temporary or long-lasting and are  associated with developing dementia later.

Previous studies have explored whether certain drugs can prevent P-NCD. Preliminary research shows that one commonly used sedative drug, called dexmedetomidine (DEX), may help protect the brain after surgery. However, it is not known whether DEX has a long-term positive impact on cognitive function.

Research Plan

Dr. Stephen Choi and colleagues will test whether DEX can decrease  the impact on cognitive function after open heart surgery. The study will include 2,400 people over age 60 who will be given DEX or a saline placebo following surgery, in addition to other sedation drugs as necessary, while in the intensive care unit (ICU). The team will measure cognitive function before the surgery and at three, six, and 12 months after surgery using an online assessment tool called the CogState Brief Battery. The research team  will analyze this data to determine whether people who received DEX were less likely to have cognitive impacts or develop P-NCD in the short- and long-term.

Impact

Results from this study could help determine whether a readily available medication can help prevent a disorder that can occur in older adults after surgery and that is linked to dementia risk.