Bacterial pneumonia in ICU patients affects brain function.
Official title: Nosocomial pneumonias impair cognitive function
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-10915399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting bacterial pneumonia while in intensive care might affect your thinking and memory later on, and it’s for patients who have survived that experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,573 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL140182-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been treated in intensive care units and have experienced bacterial pneumonia during their stay.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been hospitalized in intensive care units or who have not contracted bacterial pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacterial pneumonia acquired in intensive care units can lead to long-term cognitive impairment in patients. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this cognitive decline, particularly the role of cytotoxic amyloids found in the cerebrospinal fluid of affected patients. By analyzing brain tissue responses to these substances, the study aims to uncover the links between pneumonia, brain health, and cognitive function. Patients who have survived intensive care treatment will be monitored to assess their cognitive outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline in ICU patients who develop pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between ICU-related infections and cognitive impairment, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Mike T — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Lin, Mike T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.