Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

VR Training to Improve Postoperative Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery

China240 participantsStarted 2026-02-01

Plain-language summary

This clinical study aims to investigate whether virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training can help improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly non-cardiac surgery patients with pre-existing cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). As the global aging population undergoes an increasing number of surgical procedures, perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) have emerged as a serious complication among surgical patients, potentially prolonging hospital stays and increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study employs an innovative VR system that integrates eye-tracking cognitive assessment with interactive rehabilitation games to evaluate and train patients' cognitive function prior to non-cardiac and non-cranial surgeries. Conducted at Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University First Hospital, and Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, this research specifically targets patients undergoing general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and other non-cranial/non-cardiac procedures. It seeks to validate whether this technology-based intervention can effectively enhance postoperative cognitive function in this population while exploring its underlying mechanisms. The findings may offer a practical solution for protecting cognitive health in elderly patients during recovery from routine surgical procedures.

Who can participate

Age range60 Years

SexALL

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Inclusion criteria

✓. Age≥60;
✓. Preoperative MRI-confirmed cerebral small vessel disease;
✓. Scheduled to undergo non-cardiac, non-craniotomy procedures under general anesthesia;
✓. ASA physical status classification: I-III;
✓. No use of cognitive-enhancing medications within 3 months prior to surgery;
✓. Voluntary participation with signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

✕. Contraindications to cranial MRI (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, metallic implants, etc.);
✕. Intolerance to VR equipment during pre-training adaptation (e.g., dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or other subjective discomfort);
✕. Severe visual or auditory impairment;
✕. Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction;

What they're measuring

Change in postoperative cognitive score from baseline

Timeframe: At admission, on postoperative day 5 (or before discharge), and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07370844

SponsorPeking University Third Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11-30

Contact for this trial

Zhengqian Li, Associate Chief Physician

+86 156 1190 8458 zhengqianli@hsc.pku.edu.cn

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cerebral Small Vessel Disease trials