# Genetic and Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms of Delirium and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

> **NIH NIH R03** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $87,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The goal of this proposal is to test the hypothesis that neuroinflammation is a shared pathophysiological
pathway linking delirium and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), and that these relationships
differ by genetic predisposition. Delirium and ADRD have strong epidemiological associations: ADRD has long-
been recognized as a risk factor for delirium, and recently delirium has been implicated as a risk factor for
incident ADRD. Although this points to a clear link between delirium and ADRD, the shared pathophysiology
underlying these relationships remains largely unknown. In the proposed R03 Specific Aims, we will address
this gap in knowledge and substantially extend our preliminary studies that have focused only on plasma-
based markers of inflammation by examining whether both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based
measures of neuroinflammation are associated with postoperative delirium and incident ADRD, and evaluate
whether genetic risk modifies these associations. These studies will leverage the considerable resources of: 1)
the NIA-funded program project, the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery Study (SAGES; P01AG031720),
and 2) the Healthier Postoperative Recovery Study (HiPOR; R21AG048600). This proposal is highly novel in
examining markers of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury that will advance our understanding of the
pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the delirium-ADRD relationship, a largely underexplored area that
represents a top priority area of the NIH (PAR-17-038). Importantly, the results will inform pathophysiologically
targeted treatment for inflammation to provide neuroprotection and identify important variables to refine
delirium risk prediction strategies thereby potentially preventing delirium and reducing ADRD, two major threats
to the independence and quality of life of all older adults.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9861209
- **Project number:** 5R03AG061582-02
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** SARINNAPHA VASUNILASHORN
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $87,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-15 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9861209

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9861209, Genetic and Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms of Delirium and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (5R03AG061582-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9861209. Licensed CC0.

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