Early Alzheimer´s disease blood biomarkers are associated with a higher risk for postoperative long‐term cognitive decline: Insights from the FINDERI study

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: term (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.