Investigating a hormone treatment for cognitive issues caused by sepsis in older adults
Official title: Evaluation of Chorionic Gonadotropin as a Treatment for Sepsis-induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Aged Brain
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10869217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087039-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced sepsis and are at risk for cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or have not experienced sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how sepsis, a severe infection, can lead to long-term cognitive problems in older adults. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone, in preventing or reducing neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction associated with sepsis. By examining the mechanisms of immune response and blood-brain barrier integrity, the research seeks to identify potential neuroprotective therapies that could improve brain health in aged sepsis patients. Participants may undergo assessments to evaluate cognitive function and response to treatment over the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve cognitive function in older adults who experience sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific use of hCG for this purpose is novel, there is emerging evidence that targeting neuroinflammation may be beneficial in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casadesus, Gemma — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Casadesus, Gemma
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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How sepsis affects brain function and memory
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.
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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.