USA Wins $2.68 Million for Research on How Pneumonia Affects the Brain

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Great news from the University of South Alabama!

Dr. Amy R. Nelson and her team of brilliant scientists have been awarded a whopping $2.68 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

This exciting grant will fund a groundbreaking five-year study on the impact of pneumonia on the brain.

The researchers are diving deep into how pneumonia, particularly postoperative pneumonia, might affect our cognitive health and overall brain function.

Artistic depiction of internal anatomyPhoto bykirill_makes_pics/Pixabay

Understanding Postoperative Pneumonia: More Than Just a Lung Problem

Postoperative pneumonia, also known as hospital-acquired pneumonia, is more common than you might think.

It affects around 2% to 8% of patients after surgery.

Unfortunately, it can extend hospital stays and even increase the risk of mortality.

But here's the kicker: some survivors of pneumonia, especially those who’ve spent time in intensive care, may face lasting cognitive challenges.

These challenges can reduce their quality of life and add extra strain on their finances and healthcare needs.

Dr. Nelson and her team are particularly interested in how certain bacteria, like P. aeruginosa, which often cause pneumonia, might also trigger the production of harmful proteins called amyloids in the lungs.

These amyloids, including one called tau, are notorious for being involved in Alzheimer’s disease. T

he big question the team is tackling: Could these lung-produced amyloids be sneaking into the brain and causing trouble there?

Brain and Lung Connection: Exploring New Avenues

This study isn’t just about understanding pneumonia—it’s about unraveling the complex connections between our lungs and our brains.

Dr. Nelson’s research partner, Dr. Mike Lin, has already shown that tau proteins produced in the lungs due to pneumonia can end up in the brain, potentially messing with our ability to learn and remember.

But that’s not all.

The team is also exploring the role of a gene known as apolipoprotein E4, or APOE4, which has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Some studies have even shown that people with APOE4 are more likely to die from COVID-19.

This research is taking a fresh look at how APOE4 might interact with pneumonia to increase the risk of brain injury.

What Does This Mean for You?

So, what does this all mean for the everyday person?

For starters, it highlights the importance of protecting ourselves from pneumonia, especially after surgery.

But it’s also a reminder of how interconnected our body systems are—what happens in our lungs can have a ripple effect on our brain health.

This research could lead to better treatments and preventive measures, not just for pneumonia, but also for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

If scientists can figure out how to stop harmful amyloids from moving from the lungs to the brain, they might be able to slow down or even prevent some of the cognitive decline associated with pneumonia and other infections.

The study is still in its early stages, but the implications are huge.

It’s a hopeful step forward in the fight against both pneumonia and Alzheimer’s, and it’s all happening right here at the University of South Alabama.

With this grant, Dr. Nelson and her team are not just pushing the boundaries of science—they’re paving the way for healthier, longer lives for all of us.

Let’s cheer on this incredible team as they work to unlock the mysteries of the brain and bring us closer to a future where pneumonia and Alzheimer’s are no longer the threats they are today.

Sources:

• Nelson awarded $2.68 million NIH grant to study impact of pneumonia on the brain
• USA professor awarded $2.68-million pneumonia research grant