Alzheimers Dement. 2026 Jul;22(7):e71631. doi: 10.1002/alz.71631.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The study aim is to investigate whether blood biomarkers (BBMs) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology are associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after cardiac surgery.
METHODS: Cognitive performance was assessed before and 12 months postoperatively using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and categorized into stages-minimal (1), notable (2), and substantial (3) decline-in the FIND DElirium RIsk factors (FINDERI) study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. BBMs were measured preoperatively (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-42, Aβ1-40, phosphorylated tau 181 [p-tau181], p-tau217, apolipoprotein E ε4 [apoE4] and apoE).
RESULTS: A total of 394 patients completed follow-up investigations. POCD Stage 1 was observed in 105 (26.6%), POCD Stage 2 in 52 patients (13.2%), and POCD Stage 3 in 30 patients (7.6%). The AT217term (ratio Aβ1-40/1-42 * p-tau217) was significantly associated with POCD stages in multiple logistic regression.
DISCUSSION: Early Alzheimer's BBMs are associated with POCD in patients, suggesting that our exploratory findings assessing BBMs may support risk stratification, inform decision-making, and contribute to strategies aimed at preventing POCD.
PMID:42449187 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71631