How pneumonia affects brain health and may lead to dementia
Official title: Pneumonia-induced microglial activation causes blood-brain barrier breakdown, astrocyte activation, and tau pathology
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-11075473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pneumonia, especially from a specific germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, might affect brain health and lead to dementia, using mice to see how infections can change brain function over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $33,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141403-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently recovered from pneumonia or severe respiratory infections and are at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced pneumonia or respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between pneumonia and the development of dementia, particularly focusing on how infections like those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to changes in brain function. The study uses a specialized mouse model to observe the effects of pneumonia on brain cells, specifically looking at how microglial activation and blood-brain barrier breakdown occur over time. By imaging these processes shortly after infection, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that link respiratory infections to cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing or treating dementia in patients who have experienced pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing evidence that respiratory infections can impact brain health, suggesting a potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaney, Samantha Dawn — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Chaney, Samantha Dawn
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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.