How sepsis affects brain function and memory
Official title: Vascular mechanisms of sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11042778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how surviving sepsis can affect your memory and learning over time, and it aims to find ways to help prevent or treat these issues for people who have gone through sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,465 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived sepsis and are experiencing cognitive difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced sepsis or do not have cognitive impairments related to sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term cognitive impairments that can occur after a person survives sepsis, a severe response to infection. The study focuses on understanding how certain fragments in the blood can damage the brain's hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and learning. By exploring the mechanisms behind this cognitive decline, the researchers aim to identify potential therapies that could prevent or treat these impairments in sepsis survivors. The approach combines expertise in sepsis and brain injury to uncover new insights into this serious condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that prevent cognitive decline in sepsis survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of cognitive impairment after sepsis, indicating that this area of study has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herson, Paco S — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Herson, Paco S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How sepsis-related brain inflammation leads to lasting thinking and memory problems
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How blood vessel changes cause memory problems after sepsis
This project aims to understand why people who survive sepsis often have lasting memory and thinking problems and to find ways to stop that from happening.
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Investigating a hormone treatment for cognitive issues caused by sepsis in older adults
This study is looking at how sepsis can affect thinking and memory in older adults and is testing a hormone called hCG to see if it can help protect the brain and improve cognitive health after a severe infection.
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Understanding how sepsis affects brain function in older adults
This study is looking at how sepsis affects thinking and memory in older adults, especially how inflammation in the brain might cause long-lasting problems, and it aims to find ways to help improve brain function for those who have had sepsis.
-
Understanding how sepsis affects brain function in older adults
This study is looking at how sepsis affects thinking and memory in older adults, especially how inflammation in the brain might cause long-lasting issues, and it aims to understand the differences in brain responses between older and younger people to help find better ways to support those who have had sepsis.
-
Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots
A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
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.