Differential inflammatory response and cognitive deficits following sepsis in aged versus young mice

This study highlights age-related differences in sepsis outcomes, particularly in mortality, inflammation, and behavior. Contrary to the hypothesis, aged mice did not show increased inflammation either systemically or in the brain but did show persistent and progressive cognitive deficit. Instead, young mice had exacerbated inflammation without any change in functional behaviors. Together, these findings suggest the possibility that differential inflammatory response to sepsis, rather than increases per se, may underly persistent cognitive deficit following sepsis in aged brains.