Delirium

This study compares two ways of using a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) in adults who need help breathing. One mode lets the patient trigger each breath, while the other delivers a set number of breaths regardless of patient effort. The goal is to see which approach lea…

This study tests whether a drug called dexmedetomidine, which promotes sleep, can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in patients aged 60 and older after heart surgery. Delirium is common in the ICU and can lead to longer hospital stays and worse recovery. The trial will compare …

This study tests whether carefully managing body temperature during major cancer surgery can lower the risk of postoperative delirium (sudden confusion) and improve long-term survival in patients aged 65 and older. About 4,000 participants will be randomly assigned to either rout…

This trial investigates whether playing a virtual reality (VR) cognitive stimulation game can help older adults with mild memory problems stay mentally sharp and avoid delirium after major surgery. Participants, aged 65 and older, will use an Oculus Quest 2 headset for 20 minutes…

This trial tests a special cannula that captures debris during high-risk heart valve surgery. The goal is to see if it reduces the chance of stroke, kidney injury, and delirium. About 842 patients aged 60 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either the new device or a s…

This study tests whether giving blood transfusions quickly when hemoglobin drops can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in patients 75 and older after hip fracture surgery. About 198 participants will be randomly assigned to either early transfusion or standard care. Researchers…

This study tests whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can help treat delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Delirium is a sudden confusion that affects up to 80% of ICU patients and has no proven drug treatment. The trial will give 60 patients either standard c…

This study compares a new ambulatory (same-day) stroke care model to standard hospital care for patients aged 60 and older who have had a mild stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Participants receive a full neurological assessment and treatment plan on the same day and the…

This study tests a program called PICU Up! that helps critically ill children start moving earlier while in the pediatric intensive care unit. The program includes daily activity plans, better sedation management, and family involvement. Researchers want to see if this approach r…

This large trial tests whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can prevent long-term memory and thinking problems that often follow heart surgery. Researchers will give the drug to 2,400 adults aged 60 and older during and after their operation, then track their cognitive function f…

This study looks at two different sedative medicines given to children on breathing machines in the ICU. The goal is to see which one causes less confusion (delirium) and helps the brain recover better. About 372 children up to age 11 will take part. The results could change how …

This study compares light versus deep general anesthesia in older adults (65+ or Indigenous 55+) having major surgery. The goal is to see if lighter anesthesia reduces delirium—sudden confusion—and long-term memory problems. About 2,766 participants will be randomly assigned to o…

This study is testing a new device called TES HT100 that uses low-power electromagnetic waves to screen for brain injuries in adults coming to the emergency room with mild head trauma or certain neurological symptoms. The device is non-invasive, takes about 5 minutes, and gives a…

This study is testing whether a blood test (Quest AD-Detect) can help doctors identify Alzheimer's disease earlier in patients aged 60-90 who are hospitalized with confusion or delirium. The test looks for a protein linked to Alzheimer's. Patients with positive results will get f…

This study tests a structured care program to prevent postoperative delirium (sudden confusion) in patients aged 70 and older undergoing surgery. Over 18,000 participants will receive evidence-based prevention measures, with electronic tracking to ensure consistency. Additional s…

This study tests a simple, family-led protocol called 'Delirium Zero' to prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after hip fracture surgery. About 140 patients over 65 will be randomly assigned to either standard care or the Delirium Zero protocol, which includes an o…

This study tests whether giving ICU patients 0.5 liters of wheat beer each evening for 6 days can lower their risk of developing delirium, compared to patients who receive water. Delirium is a sudden confused state common in intensive care. The trial will include 380 adults who h…

This study tests whether using audio and visual tools—like familiar sounds, pictures, and better sleep conditions—can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in intensive care patients. About 196 adults over 50 who are expected to stay in the ICU for more than a day will take part. T…

This study tests a simple program for people aged 60+ having heart surgery. Before surgery, participants will get help improving sleep and do brain exercises. After surgery, they receive extra pain relief. The goal is to see if this bundle reduces delirium (sudden confusion and a…

This study compares two approaches to prevent delirium in older adults during a hospital stay. One is standard hospital care (HELP), and the other adds daily support from family members (FAM-HELP). Researchers will track 1,900 patients aged 70 and older to see if family involveme…

This study tests whether daily 15-minute virtual reality sessions with calming nature scenes and meditation can prevent delirium in high-risk ICU patients. About 822 adults in the surgical ICU at Cedars-Sinai will either get standard care or standard care plus VR for up to 5 days…

This study tests whether listening to music through headphones can prevent delirium in adults aged 65 and older in the intensive care unit. Participants will listen to either personalized or relaxing music twice daily for up to 7 days, while researchers track days free of deliriu…

This study tests whether daridorexant, a sleep medication, can prevent delirium (sudden confusion) after heart surgery in adults aged 60 and older. Participants take the drug or a placebo for three nights after surgery and are monitored for delirium and sleep quality. The goal is…

After surgery, many older adults experience confusion or memory problems, known as delirium. This study tests a program that identifies patients at high risk before surgery and then uses simple steps—like better sleep and hydration—to prevent delirium. The program also educates f…

This trial tests whether a single dose of clonidine, given during surgery, can reduce emergence agitation—crying, thrashing, and confusion—when infants wake from anesthesia. The study includes infants aged 3 to 12 months undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. Half receiv…

This study tests whether letting a child aged 2 to 6 video chat with a parent on a tablet while being taken to the operating room can reduce agitation when they wake up from anesthesia. It compares live video interaction, watching a cartoon, and standard care in 150 children havi…

This study tests whether giving magnesium before surgery can reduce emergence delirium—a state of confusion and agitation—in children aged 4 to 7 after adenotonsillectomy. Half the children receive magnesium by mouth before surgery, half receive it through an IV during surgery, a…

This study tests whether giving sedation as a gas (isoflurane) instead of through an IV (propofol) helps critically ill patients on breathing machines recover faster. About 620 adults in the ICU who need deep sedation will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods. The main …

This study tests whether short, calming virtual reality (VR) sessions can safely reduce anxiety, agitation, and delirium in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Thirty participants will watch nature-based VR content using a headset. The main goal is to see if this approach i…

This study tests whether a special ketone drink is safe and can help reduce confusion (delirium) in ICU patients. Delirium is common in the ICU and can lead to long-term thinking and memory problems. The study will give 40 adults either the ketone drink or a placebo to see if it …

This study tests whether giving melatonin at bedtime can help older ICU patients (55+) recover faster from hypoactive delirium, a state of confusion and low activity. Researchers will compare melatonin to a placebo in 190 patients, measuring how long delirium lasts and overall re…

This study tests a noninvasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to help people wake up faster after surgery. Researchers will also see if it reduces confusion and depression after the operation. The study involves 40 adults having lumbar spine surgery.

This study tests whether adding tablet-based cognitive exercises to standard non-drug care (like better sleep and mobility) can reduce delirium in older adults. Sixty people aged 60+ in a subacute care unit will receive either standard care alone or standard care plus twice-daily…

This study looks at whether therapeutic cuddling (like kangaroo care or comfort holding) can help reduce pain, agitation, and delirium in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). About 112 children expected to stay in the PICU for more than 48 hours will be randomly …

This study tests whether fluvoxamine, a drug used for depression, can help prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after non-cardiac surgery. About 46 people having elective surgery that requires at least a 2-day hospital stay will take part. The main goal is to see i…

This early study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and practical for ICU patients with delirium—a state of confusion that can slow recovery. Ten right-handed adults with delirium will receive 30-minute sessions twice dai…

This study tests whether virtual reality brain games can help older adults who survived a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and had delirium. About 100 people aged 50 and older will use a VR headset at home to play memory and attention games for 4 weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether early occupational therapy—focused on motivating activities and sleep routines—can reduce delirium (sudden confusion) in patients after heart bypass surgery. Researchers will compare the therapy to standard care in 300 adults. The goal is to see if this a…

This pilot study tests a personalized music therapy program to prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in hospitalized people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Thirty participants will receive up to five live music sessions tailored to their preferences…

This early study looks at whether a nerve block called a thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block can help older adults (65 and older) have less pain and a better recovery after spinal fusion surgery. The block uses a numbing medicine called bupivacaine. The study will enrol…

This trial tests whether a virtual reality system that lets family members appear and comfort patients can reduce delirium in ICU patients on breathing machines. About 102 adults in China will use the VR headset until their breathing tube is removed. Researchers will track deliri…

This study tests whether melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, can help treat delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Delirium is a state of confusion and disorientation common in critically ill people. The trial will give 30 patients either melatonin or a placebo every eve…

Many older adults who survive an ICU stay with delirium continue to have trouble with memory, attention, and planning. This pilot study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can safely improve these cognitive pr…

This study looks at whether a drug called dexmedetomidine can help prevent confusion and memory loss in older adults after major leg surgery. Researchers will compare different doses of the drug to standard pain medicine in 75 patients. The goal is to find the best dose to protec…

This study tests two different drug combinations given before anesthesia to prevent emergence delirium—a state of confusion and agitation—in children undergoing heart catheterization. Fifty children will be randomly assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine plus midazolam or ket…

This study tests whether an ultrasound-guided nerve block behind the ear can prevent agitation and confusion when children wake up from anesthesia after microscopic middle ear surgery. Researchers will compare 74 children aged 5 to 14 who receive either the nerve block or standar…

This study tests whether playful breathing exercises—like blowing bubbles or cotton balls—can lower anxiety before surgery and reduce confusion after waking up in children aged 3 to 7. About 80 kids will practice these games at home starting 2-3 days before their planned operatio…

This pilot study tests whether personalized audio-recorded messages, played three times daily for the first three days after hip fracture surgery, can help prevent delirium in patients aged 60 and older. The study will enroll 30 participants and focus on whether the intervention …

This study tests whether dynamic light therapy can restore natural sleep-wake cycles in intensive care patients suffering from delirium. Forty adults in the ICU will receive either a special light algorithm or standard hospital lighting. Researchers will measure changes in melato…

This study tests a proprietary amino acid drink given twice daily for up to 4 days to older adults (60+) hospitalized with infections who have delirium. 20 participants get the drink, 20 get standard care, and 20 non-delirious controls are observed. The goal is to see if the drin…

This study tests whether using positive language (like 'blow out the birthday candles') instead of standard language during anesthesia induction reduces anxiety and negative behaviors in children aged 5-10. 128 healthy children having non-emergency surgery will be randomly assign…

This study tests a simple idea: having a parent or family member involved in a child's anesthesia care to reduce emergency delirium—a state of confusion, crying, or thrashing when waking up from surgery. Researchers will compare this family-centered approach to standard care in 4…

This study tests a 14-day program called mHELP@ICU for adults on breathing machines in the ICU. The program includes mental exercises, gentle physical activity, and monitoring of nutrition. Researchers want to see if it lowers the chance of delirium (sudden confusion) and helps p…

This study tests four treatments—haloperidol, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, and a placebo—given through an IV to help calm agitated delirium in hospitalized cancer patients. The goal is to find which option works best to reduce distress and improve comfort. About 42 adults with …

This study tests whether using a virtual reality headset (HypnoVR) can reduce discomfort in patients recovering in the intensive care unit after major heart, chest, or abdominal surgery. 194 adults will be randomly assigned to either standard care or twice-daily VR sessions for 1…

This pilot study tests whether playing recorded messages from family and friends—called VoiceLove therapy—can help manage delirium in surgical ICU patients. Fifteen participants will listen to reorientation and calming messages for 25 minutes, twice a day, for three days. The mai…

This study compares two ways to sedate children before cleft palate repair: a combination of two drugs (dexmedetomidine and ketamine) given through a nebulizer versus dexmedetomidine alone. The goal is to see which approach works better for calming the child before surgery and pr…

This study tests whether a short video-based training program, called the ICU Delirium Playbook, can improve how intensive care unit (ICU) nurses understand and recognize delirium—a sudden confusion that affects many critically ill patients. Nurses at one hospital will complete q…

This study looks at whether family members can help identify delirium—a sudden confusion that can occur during serious illness—in adult ICU patients. Family members will complete a short assessment after visiting, while nurses continue their usual screening. Researchers will comp…

This observational study asks whether older patients placed under isolation precautions in the hospital are more likely to develop delirium or experience cognitive decline. Researchers will compare isolated patients aged 70 and older with similar non-isolated patients, tracking d…

This study is testing whether a risk score can predict which older adults will experience confusion or memory problems after a common urological procedure. Researchers will follow 150 patients aged 65 and older undergoing transurethral resection, using cognitive tests before and …

This study tests a new monitor (Ceribell) to see if it can help doctors spot delirium in ICU patients sooner than standard checks. About 100 adults in the ICU will take part. The goal is to see if earlier detection leads to better treatment decisions.

This study observes how three standard pain-control methods—opioids given through a vein, epidural, or nerve block—affect how quickly patients aged 65 and older get out of bed after major surgery. Researchers track time to first sit, stand, or walk, along with pain levels, confus…

This study investigates whether digital biometrics and blood-based markers can help detect, predict, and track delirium in older adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Participants wear a digital device to collect data like activity and heart rate, and provide blood sa…

This study tests whether cameras, motion sensors, and other monitors can automatically detect signs of pain, delirium, and physical decline in critically ill patients. Researchers will collect video, movement, noise, light, and vital sign data from 400 adults in the ICU. The goal…

This study looks at whether brain wave patterns, measured by EEG, can help explain why some children become confused and agitated after waking up from anesthesia (emergence delirium). Researchers will monitor children aged 2 to 8 who are having eye surgery under general anesthesi…

This study looks at how much pain people feel after a cardiac arrest while they are in the intensive care unit. Researchers will track pain using special scales, even in patients who are unconscious or on a breathing machine. The goal is to understand how pain affects recovery, s…

This study looks at how sleep problems before heart surgery might impact recovery in 144 adults. Researchers will collect blood and stool samples before and after surgery to measure changes in metabolism, inflammation, and gut bacteria. The goal is to understand why poor sleep le…

This study is testing a new, non-invasive brain monitor (Neurosteer) in 100 ICU patients who are on breathing machines and sedatives. The monitor is a small device placed on the forehead that measures brain activity. Researchers want to see if it can accurately track levels of se…

This study looks at whether low oxygen levels during sleep after hip fracture surgery are linked to delirium (sudden confusion) in patients over 70. Researchers will monitor 70 participants in the hospital to see if nighttime hypoxia increases the risk of complications like infec…

This study looks at whether the drugs used to keep you asleep during breast surgery can cause confusion or memory problems afterward. Researchers will test 200 women's thinking before and after surgery using simple puzzles and questions. The goal is to see if certain drug levels …

This study tests whether cinematic virtual reality (VR) is more effective than traditional lectures for teaching medical students about geriatric care. One hundred students at Ohio University will be randomly assigned to either VR training or a lecture. The VR group will experien…

This study aims to find out how common certain brain wave abnormalities are in adult ICU patients who are at high risk for delirium. Researchers will use a portable EEG device to monitor 100 patients in medical, surgical, and cardiovascular ICUs. The goal is to better understand …

This study looks at whether analyzing brain-wave patterns (EEG) can help predict postoperative delirium—a state of confusion—in older adults after surgery. Researchers will collect EEG data before and during surgery from 90 patients aged 65 and older. The goal is to find a way to…

This study tests whether a video camera and artificial intelligence can accurately measure delirium severity in ICU patients over 50. Researchers will compare the camera data with standard bedside assessments. The goal is to create a passive digital marker that works automaticall…

This observational study is looking at whether the brain's ability to use oxygen during surgery is linked to postoperative delirium in adults aged 65 and older. Researchers will use a non-invasive forehead sensor to measure brain oxygen levels during routine laparoscopic surgery …

This study aims to find blood markers that could predict delirium—a state of sudden confusion—after heart surgery. Researchers will measure certain proteins and other substances in the blood of 113 patients before and after surgery. The goal is to develop a simple test to identif…

This study looks at whether monitoring brain waves (EEG) during heart surgery can help predict and understand postoperative delirium, a common complication causing confusion. Researchers will follow 200 adults undergoing cardiovascular surgery, using EEG to track brain activity a…

This study is watching 400 children under 16 who are having planned surgery. Researchers will use a special brain wave test (EEG) to see if they can predict which kids will wake up confused or agitated (emergence delirium). The goal is to better understand why this happens and ho…

This project tests a new rule that lets patients drink clear liquids until they are called to the operating room, instead of fasting for many hours. Researchers will compare fasting times and outcomes like nausea, lung problems, and delirium before and after the change. About 1,0…

This study aims to see if blood markers for Alzheimer's and brain injury can help predict death and hospital readmission in older patients. Researchers will follow 400 hospitalized seniors, including those with neurological issues or dementia. The goal is to develop a tool that u…

This study tests whether daily nurse screening for delirium using a tool called UB-CAM can improve detection and reduce complications in hospitalized adults aged 70 and older. About 1,050 patients across three hospitals will take part. Researchers will measure how accurate the sc…

This study is testing whether a simple brain ultrasound, called transcranial Doppler, can predict confusion or memory loss after heart bypass surgery. Researchers will measure blood flow in the brain during surgery and check patients for delirium and cognitive changes afterward. …

This study is looking at whether certain substances in the blood can help predict postoperative delirium—a state of confusion that can occur after surgery in older adults. Researchers will measure specific biomarkers before and after surgery in 1,170 patients aged 65 and older un…

This study looks at whether giving ICU teams real-time feedback and extra nurse support helps them consistently use a set of proven care steps for patients on breathing machines. About 8,100 critically ill adults will take part across multiple ICUs. The goal is to find practical …

This study looks at whether sleep patterns in the two weeks before major orthopedic surgery can help predict delirium (sudden confusion) after the operation. Researchers will ask 150 older adults (70+) to wear a watch that tracks sleep and to give blood samples. The goal is to fi…

This study looks at how brain activity before major surgery might predict delirium afterward. Researchers will monitor 468 older adults (ages 60+) using EEG and blood tests. The goal is to find early warning signs and better understand why some people get confused after surgery.

This study explores whether a new system using ultrasound and light sensors can remotely monitor brain blood flow in people who have had a stroke. Researchers will test the technology in 140 participants, including healthy older adults and those with stroke, dementia, depression,…

This study follows 189 adults who experienced delirium in the ICU to understand their main recovery challenges after moving to a regular hospital ward. Researchers will assess physical abilities, thinking skills, and mental health using simple questionnaires. The goal is to ident…

This study looks at whether waking patients with brain bleeding every hour for checks (standard care) versus every two hours affects their confusion and long-term thinking. Researchers will track 120 adults in the ICU for delirium and later cognitive function. The goal is to see …