Increasing Preoperative Cognitive Reserve to Prevent Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Launched by HEART AND BRAIN RESEARCH GROUP, GERMANY · Jul 30, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to help patients prepare for heart surgery in a way that may protect their brain function afterward. After heart surgery, some people experience problems with thinking and memory, known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction, or may even become confused, which is called postoperative delirium. Researchers believe that by improving a person's "cognitive reserve"—essentially their brain's ability to handle stress and recover from changes—they can help reduce these risks. To do this, the study involves participants doing cognitive training exercises at home before their surgery.

To take part in this trial, patients must be scheduled for certain types of heart surgeries, like coronary artery bypass or valve replacements, and they should speak enough German to understand the training and tests. Those with a history of stroke or certain brain conditions won't be eligible. Participants will engage in cognitive training to boost their brain skills before their procedure and will be closely monitored to see if this helps prevent confusion and memory issues after surgery. This study is currently recruiting participants aged 65 and older, regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic or mitral valve replacement/reconstruction, or combination surgery) with standardized extracorporeal circulation
• • A sufficiently good knowledge of German is necessary as cognitive training and neuropsychological tests are language-dependent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of stroke and preexisting psychiatric or neurological disorders that may impair the neuropsychological performance