Pneumonia

Pneumonia has been studied in 8 papers since 2016: 6 observational studies in people, 2 reviews; 3 in the past year. The newest story, Nov 3, 2026: “Severe infection linked to long-term heart rhythm problems”.

Exposure

8 papers study it4 findingsUpdated Aug 4, 2026

1 new paper in 30 daysSee all 8

“We found a transient impact of pneumonia on cognitive decline in the first 2.5 years (B = -0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.75, -0.15).”

Impact of Pneumonia on Cognitive Aging: A Longitudinal Propensity-Matched Cohort StudyThe journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences2022doi:10.1093/gerona/glac253

1 of its findings points the other way.

3 independent labs in 2 countries
1 finding against

Funders: Forskningsrådet för hälsa, arbetsliv och välfärd and 7 more

Humans6

What did studies of pneumonia find?

Studies of pneumonia measured 2 outcomes; the most studied are dementia (1 study) and cognitive function (1).

Dementia

no changein humans1HR 1.17

1 study

Pneumonia was not clearly linked with dementia in humans (hospitalized with pneumonia) (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.82, 1.66).
“The hazard ratio (HR) for dementia was not statistically significantly increased in pneumonia participants (HR = 1.17, 95%CI 0.82, 1.66).”
Humanshospitalized with pneumonia
Impact of Pneumonia on Cognitive Aging: A Longitudinal Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciencesDec 17, 2022

What is pneumonia linked with?

Studies link pneumonia with 1 measure, most often dementia (2 studies).

Dementia

upin humans2OR 1.89

2 studies

Pneumonia is linked with a higher risk of dementia in humans (OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.80-1.99).
“was comparable to pneumonia (OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.80-1.99)”
Humans
SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Vaccination Status, and Dementia Risk: A Nested Case-Control Study
Influenza and other respiratory virusesJun 1, 2026
Pneumonia raises the risk of dementia in humans (HR = 1.738; 95% CI: 1.358 to 2.225).
“Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between pneumonia and increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.738; 95% CI: 1.358 to 2.225)”
Review
Does pneumonia increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Annals of medicineJun 23, 2025

Funding

10 grants since 2018

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science¥22MNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute$2.6MUKRI | Medical Research Council£525K

Latest

3 papers in 12 months

BMC MedicineNov 3

Severe infection linked to long-term heart rhythm problems

The adjusted hazard ratio for new heart rhythm disorders was 1.85 after hospital-treated infection compared with no infection, over 14.2 years’ median follow-up.The adjusted hazard ratio for new heart rhythm disorders was 1.85 after hospital-treated infection compared with no infection, over 14.2 years’ median follow-up.

Cohort · 465,374 peoplePopulations