Could a common anesthetic drug shield elderly brains after surgery?

NCT ID NCT07665099

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether esketamine, a drug used in anesthesia, can help older adults recover their thinking and memory more quickly after oral and maxillofacial surgery. About 98 people aged 60 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either esketamine or a placebo during surgery. Their cognitive function will be checked before surgery and several times afterward using standard tests.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

esketamine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to protect brain function in older adults after surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 98 people. The drug may not improve thinking skills and could have side effects like dizziness or nausea.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

    Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••