How severe infections affect brain health in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Sepsis and the Systemic Cytokine Storm in Aging and Alzheimer Disease Models
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10513525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how serious infections like sepsis might affect brain health in older adults, especially those showing early signs of Alzheimer's, to see if the body's response to infection can lead to more memory problems down the line.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,218,350 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS128626-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10513525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, especially those with early signs of Alzheimer's disease or those who have experienced severe infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any cognitive impairments or history of severe infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of severe infections, specifically sepsis, on cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those with early signs of Alzheimer's disease. It explores how a systemic inflammatory response, known as a cytokine storm, can persist even after the infection has resolved and potentially worsen brain health. The study uses animal models to examine the relationship between sepsis, neurodegeneration, and the accumulation of harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify how age and cognitive status influence the effects of sepsis on brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in older adults following severe infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that systemic inflammation can impact brain health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cognitive decline.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Efron, Philip a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Efron, Philip a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sepsis, aging, and brain changes in Alzheimer's disease models
This project studies how severe infections like sepsis might worsen brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models to understand potential impacts on people who might be at risk.
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How sepsis-related inflammation affects the aging brain and Alzheimer-type changes
This research looks at whether the strong inflammation from sepsis speeds up Alzheimer-type brain changes or causes lasting thinking problems in older adults.
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Immunometabolism and Aging in Sepsis and Sepsis Survivors
This grant explores how metabolism and immune health affect people who have survived sepsis, with the goal of improving long‑term health and reducing future infections.
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Grit and memory protection in aging and early Alzheimer’s disease
Aging adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease may keep sharper thinking if they have grit, and this project explores how motivation and brain signals relate to memory in at-risk older adults.
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How cell-specific DNA elements may drive Alzheimer's disease and aging
Researchers are studying how certain DNA elements that can move around the genome contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and aging, using samples from adults and people with related risk factors.
-
Grit and memory resilience in older adults with early Alzheimer's changes
Learn whether stronger persistence ('grit') and its brain signals help older adults with early Alzheimer's changes keep their memory sharp.
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.