Cognitive impairment in the septic brain

Abstract

Sepsis is a major disease entity with important clinical implications. It is associated with a high mortality rate in humans. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that Intensive Care Unit survivors present long-term cognitive impairment, including alterations in memory, attention, concentration and/or global loss of cognitive function. The pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy and cognitive impairment are still poorly known and further understanding of these processes is necessary for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. Here we discuss the clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology of the encephalopathy and neurobiology of the cognitive impairment associated with sepsis.