Delirium Electroencephalography and Phenotyping with Endpoints v.1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Delirium Electroencephalography and Phenotyping with Endpoints (DEPEND) study
IRAS ID
350632
Contact name
Gregory Scott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Office, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Delirium is a sudden disturbance of consciousness in the context of acute illness. People with delirium can be disorientated, drowsy, or agitated. Delirium is a major problem, affecting ~25% of older hospitalised patients. People with delirium are at risk of short- and long-term complications and death.
Remarkably, delirium goes unrecognised by healthcare professionals in ~50% of cases. What we need is a way to accurately measure the changes in brain activity linked to delirium. This could help us to recognise delirium earlier, and treat it better.
Electroencephalography (EEG) can safely record brain activity from the scalp, but it needs expensive equipment and specialists to record and interpret. Consequently, in the NHS, EEG is poorly available. Fortunately, new portable EEG (pEEG) devices mean that signals can be recorded by anyone at the bedside.
The main aim of this research is to develop a technology that automatically turns pEEG signals into measures that accurately tell a healthcare professional about the level of delirium. Delirium is complex, with many causes and manifestations. A detailed approach, collecting a range of data in addition to EEG, is needed. We aim to collect this data, to understand more about delirium.
This study will involve 205 older people in hospital, those with and without delirium, and 30 older unaffected volunteers. Participants will undergo repeated detailed assessments, involving EEG, behavioural and cognitive testing, and blood tests.
The study, at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare Trust, is funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
We hope our study will lead to technology for helping us detect and treat delirium earlier and better, and a new understanding of delirium. This can all lead to better outcomes and less time spent in hospital for thousands of people, benefitting the NHS and healthcare systems worldwide.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EE/0010
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion