How sepsis-related brain inflammation leads to lasting thinking and memory problems
Official title: Neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11297700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,240,442 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1AG075341-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11297700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Fiona Edith — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Fiona Edith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How blood vessel changes cause memory problems after sepsis
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How sepsis affects brain function and memory
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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.
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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 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.
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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.