How hospital-acquired pneumonia affects brain function

Nosocomial pneumonias impair cognitive function

NIH-funded research University of South Alabama · NIH-10939762

This study is looking at how pneumonia that you might get while in the hospital can affect your thinking and memory, especially if you've been in intensive care, by checking for harmful substances in your blood and spinal fluid.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Alabama NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Mobile, United States)
Project IDNIH-10939762 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the link between hospital-acquired pneumonia and cognitive impairment in patients who have been in intensive care units. It focuses on understanding how infections from bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to the release of harmful amyloids that affect brain function. By analyzing blood and cerebrospinal fluid from affected patients, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline following pneumonia. The research employs various laboratory techniques, including the use of cultured cells and brain slices, to explore these effects in detail.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced hospital-acquired pneumonia and are recovering from intensive care.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been hospitalized or do not have a history of pneumonia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cognitive impairments in patients recovering from severe infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between infections and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Mobile, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injuryAcute Lung InjuryAcute Pulmonary InjuryAlzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.