How sepsis-related brain inflammation leads to lasting thinking and memory problems
Neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction
This research looks at how sepsis-caused brain inflammation can lead to long-lasting problems with memory, attention, and mood in older adults and people with Alzheimer-like brain changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team uses aged animal models and models with Alzheimer-related brain changes to recreate sepsis and then follows them for longer periods than past work. They will test memory, attention, and emotional behaviors while studying brain immune cells called microglia to see how long inflammation persists and how neurons are affected. The project compares young versus old animals and animals with and without Alzheimer-like pathology to identify who is most vulnerable. Lab analyses will examine cellular and molecular signs of inflammation and neuronal damage tied to lasting cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults (typically 65+) who survived sepsis and people living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are the groups most directly connected to this work.
Not a fit: Younger adults without a history of sepsis or people whose cognitive issues come from non-inflammatory causes may be less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat lasting thinking and memory problems after sepsis in older adults and people with Alzheimer-related brain changes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link microglial activation to post-sepsis cognitive decline but often used young animals or short follow-ups, so combining aged and Alzheimer-relevant models is a relatively new and important step.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Fiona Edith — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Fiona Edith
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 below.