Mouse Study Identifies Role of Senescent Cells in Post-Surgical Delirium Among Elderly

Recent research involving aged mice has shed light on the connection between cellular senescence and post-operative cognitive complications in elderly individuals. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, investigated how senescent cells contribute to neuroinflammation following surgery. Cellular senescence is a natural biological process where cells cease to divide in response to stress, but these cells can secrete pro-inflammatory factors that may harm surrounding tissues, including the brain. This cellular activity has been linked to age-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

In this study, aged mice underwent tibial fracture surgery, which resulted in a significant buildup of senescent cells in the hippocampus, a critical brain area involved in memory and cognition. To explore potential interventions, some mice received a combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin—drugs known to clear senescent cells. Remarkably, treated mice exhibited notably reduced neuroinflammation compared to those that did not receive the treatment. These findings suggest that senescent cells play a substantial role in the neuroinflammatory response associated with surgery in the elderly.

The implications of this research are significant, pointing toward the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing post-surgical delirium and related cognitive decline in older populations. Future therapies targeting senescent cells could improve recovery outcomes and cognitive health in seniors facing surgical procedures.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-mouse-links-senescent-cells-surgical.html