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

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Conditions studied: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Postoperative Cognitive Function

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07370844

Run by

Peking University Third Hospital

People needed

240

Starts

2026-02-01

Expected to finish

2027-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-27

Who can join

Age: 60 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• 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;
• Pre-existing neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or active delirium);
• Inability to complete preoperative neuropsychological assessments (e.g., dementia, deaf-mutism, or communication barriers);
• Use of sedatives, antidepressants, or history of psychoactive substance abuse/alcoholism

Where it is running

• Peking University First Hospital — Beijing, China
• Peking University Third Hospital — Beijing, China
• Xuanwu Hospital — Beijing, China

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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