NETs in the brain parenchyma may proteolyse extracellular matrix proteins and activate inflammasome- and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways with harmful effect on nerve cells.21,22,53 The association we found between cell-free DNA and NfL could be discussed as a pathophysiological mechanism in delirium being a strong risk factor for future dementia.54 The gene discussed is NEFL; the disease is delirium.