Tests whether bariatric surgery changes thinking skills in people with obesity
Tests whether weight-loss surgery changes thinking skills in adults with severe obesity.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Evaluation of Cognitive Improvement After Bariatric Surgery Using a Virtual Reality Program and the Neuropsi Neuropsychological Battery
Key facts
- Where
- Montreal, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07229924, who can take part
Where in Canada
- Faubert LabMontreal, CanadaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga
- Trial code
- NCT07229924
- Record updated
- 17 November 2025
- Original description
Background: Obesity is a chronic, systemic, and multifactorial disease affecting populations worldwide, with projections indicating a 50% increase by 2035. It is linked to higher risks of cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Bariatric surgery has shown benefits in reducing fat and systemic inflammation, which may improve cognitive function. However, the factors predicting such improvements remain unclear.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cognitive Performance Assessed Using a Virtual Reality Program and the Neuropsi Battery.
Background: Obesity is a chronic, systemic, and multifactorial disease affecting populations worldwide, with projections indicating a 50% increase by 2035. It is linked to higher risks of cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Bariatric surgery has shown benefits in reducing fat and systemic inflammation, which may improve cognitive function. However, the factors predicting such improvements remain unclear.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on cognitive performance using virtual reality (Neurotracker) and the Neuropsi neuropsychological battery.
Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study will include patients with morbid obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery. Cognitive performance will be evaluated using the Neurotracker virtual reality tool and the Neuropsi neuropsychological battery. Participants will complete Neurotracker sessions three times weekly for two weeks before surgery, and again at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. The Neuropsi assessment will be conducted once prior to surgery and repeated at 6 months afterward. Statistical analyses will compare cognitive performance before and after the surgical intervention.
Expected Outcomes: The study aims to identify measurable improvements in cognitive function after weight loss from bariatric surgery, evaluated through both traditional neuropsychological tests and immersive virtual reality tools. These results could improve understanding of the cognitive benefits of surgical obesity treatment and the factors that predict these outcomes.
Inclusion: Age (18-65 years) B. Diagnostic of morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2, or, C. Obesity grade II (BMI > 35 kg/m2) and associated comorbidities (Diabetes Mellitus type 2, Hypertension, Ischemic Cardiopathy, Hyperlipidemia, Hepatic Steatosis, Metabolic Syndrome, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Pickwick Syndrome) D. Bariatric surgery criteria.
Exclusion: Age < 18 years, > 65 years B. Visual impairment C. Personal history of CVE D. Drug addiction.