DELIRIUM

This study tests whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can help treat delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Delirium is a common and serious confusion that affects up to 80% of ICU patients and can lead to long-term brain problems. The researchers will give FMT…

This study looks at whether carefully managing body temperature during major cancer surgery can lower the risk of postoperative delirium (sudden confusion) and improve long-term survival in older adults. About 4,000 patients aged 65 and older having cancer surgery will be randoml…

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—a common, serious complication that can cause confusion and long-term brain decline. About 2,766 partic…

This study compares two sedative drugs—dexmedetomidine and midazolam—in children aged up to 11 years who are on breathing machines in the ICU. The goal is to see which drug better reduces delirium (sudden confusion) and improves recovery. About 372 children will take part, and re…

This study tests whether giving a sleep-promoting drug called dexmedetomidine at night can lower the risk of delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after heart surgery. About 1,800 patients aged 60 and older will receive either the drug or a placebo through an IV or under th…

This study tests whether a sedative called dexmedetomidine can prevent long-term memory and thinking problems that often occur after heart surgery. About 2,400 adults aged 60 and older having bypass or valve surgery will receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo during their op…

This study compares two programs designed to prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults during hospital stays. About 1,900 patients aged 70 and older will take part, with one program involving family members as active helpers. The goal is to see which approach better red…

This study tests whether listening to music can prevent delirium in adults aged 65 and older in the intensive care unit (ICU). Participants will listen to either personalized music or relaxing music through headphones twice daily for 7 days. Researchers will compare these groups …

This early study looks at whether a special type of nerve block (called TLIP) can improve pain and recovery in adults aged 65 and older having spinal fusion surgery. The blocks are given before surgery to reduce pain, opioid use, and the risk of confusion (delirium) after the ope…

This study tests whether using a virtual reality program can reduce discomfort for patients recovering in the intensive care unit after major heart, lung, or abdominal surgery. About 194 adults will be randomly assigned to either receive standard care or use the VR headset twice …

This study tests whether a virtual reality system that lets ICU patients on ventilators see and interact with their families can lower their risk of delirium (sudden confusion). About 102 adults who are expected to be on a breathing machine for at least 24 hours will take part. T…

This pilot study is testing whether a digital therapy called VoiceLove is feasible and safe for managing delirium in surgical ICU patients. Delirium is a state of confusion that can happen after major surgery. The study will enroll 15 participants who will use VoiceLove for 20-25…

This study tests whether melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, can help treat delirium (sudden confusion) in adults in the intensive care unit. Researchers want to see if a larger trial is possible and if melatonin shortens the time patients remain confused. About 30 participants w…

This study tests whether giving a low dose of midazolam (a sedative) during surgery can lower the risk of confusion (delirium) and anxiety in older adults after their operation. About 612 patients aged 65-85 having non-heart, non-brain surgery will be randomly assigned to receive…

This study tests whether fluvoxamine, an antidepressant, can reduce the risk of delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after non-cardiac surgery. About 46 people having elective surgery will take the drug or a placebo. The goal is to see if this approach is practical for a l…

This study is testing a new music therapy program to help prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in hospitalized people with brain diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. About 30 participants will receive up to five personalized music sessions, including live music or playing ins…

This study tests whether certain medications (haloperidol, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, or placebo) can help calm agitation in hospitalized cancer patients with delirium. The goal is to reduce distress and suffering. About 42 adults with advanced cancer and hyperactive or mixed…

This early study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear is safe and practical for ICU patients with delirium (sudden confusion). Ten right-handed adults with delirium will receive 30-minute ear stimulation sessions twice daily for up to 7 da…

This study tests whether combining two sedatives (dexmedetomidine and esketamine) can lower the risk of delirium—sudden confusion—in older patients (60+) after surgery in the ICU. Delirium can lead to worse outcomes, and each drug alone has side effects. The trial will involve 10…

This study looks at why some children become confused and agitated after waking up from anesthesia (emergence delirium). Researchers will monitor brain waves (EEG) in 400 children under 16 having elective surgery to see if they can predict this reaction. The goal is to better und…

This study looks at whether having nurses screen older hospital patients for delirium every day can help catch confusion early and prevent problems like falls or pressure injuries. About 1,050 patients aged 70 and older from three hospitals will take part. Researchers will also c…

This study tests a new brain activity monitor in 100 ICU patients who are on breathing machines and sedatives. The monitor uses a simple forehead patch to track brain signals and see if it matches standard checks for sedation and delirium. The goal is to find a better way to moni…

This study looks at why some people become confused and disoriented after heart surgery. Researchers will monitor brain waves (EEG) in 200 adults before, during, and after surgery to find patterns that might predict this confusion. The goal is to better understand the condition a…

This study looks at whether a special recovery plan can help older adults (65+) who had confusion after emergency surgery. About 528 people will be followed for 18 months to see if their thinking, physical abilities, and mood improve. The goal is to find better ways to support re…

This study tests whether adding tablet-based cognitive exercises to standard non-drug care (like better sleep and mobility) helps older adults with delirium recover faster. Sixty participants aged 60+ will be split into two groups, one receiving extra computer stimulation. Resear…

This study looks at whether giving ICU staff real-time feedback and having a dedicated nurse facilitator can increase the use of a set of proven practices (the ABCDEF bundle) for adults on breathing machines. About 8,100 patients across multiple ICUs will take part. The goal is t…

This study looks at whether low oxygen levels during sleep after hip fracture surgery are linked to delirium (sudden confusion) in people over 70. Researchers will monitor 70 patients in the hospital for at least 5 nights. The goal is to understand if nighttime oxygen problems in…

This study tests whether a special program can reduce confusion (delirium) after surgery in older adults. Researchers will screen patients aged 60 and older before their operation to find those at highest risk. Those identified will receive extra care recommendations and educatio…

This study looks at how brain activity before major surgery might affect the risk of delirium (sudden confusion) afterward. Researchers will monitor 468 older adults using EEG and other tests to find early warning signs. The goal is to better understand and eventually prevent thi…

This study tests whether a video camera can help measure delirium severity in ICU patients aged 50 and older. Researchers will record patients 24/7 and compare the footage with standard assessments. The goal is to create a tool that makes delirium monitoring easier and more accur…

This study tests whether a new wearable device that uses ultrasound and light can safely and easily monitor blood flow in the brains of people who have had a stroke. Researchers will also include healthy older adults and people with dementia, depression, or delirium to compare re…

This observational study follows 189 adults who experienced delirium in the ICU to understand how it impacts their physical, mental, and cognitive recovery after moving to a regular hospital ward. Researchers will use questionnaires to track problems like memory loss, depression,…

This study tests a new rule that lets patients drink clear liquids (like water or apple juice) until they are called to the operating room, instead of fasting for many hours. The goal is to see if this reduces discomfort, nausea, and other complications after surgery. The study w…

This study looks for substances in the blood that could help doctors know which patients might become confused after heart surgery. About 113 adults having heart surgery will give blood samples to measure certain markers linked to inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. The goal is…