Alzheimer’s-related markers after COVID-19

Alzheimer’s Disease Related Biomarkers following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11302669

This project will measure Alzheimer’s-related blood and brain markers in people aged 60 and older who had COVID-19 and are experiencing new memory or thinking problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11302669 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would join one of three groups of people aged 60 and older, including those who had SARS-CoV-2 infection and developed new cognitive symptoms within six months. Researchers will collect blood to measure Alzheimer’s-linked proteins (such as total tau, p-tau-181, NfL, GFAP), perform brain imaging, and give cognitive tests. The team will compare these measures across groups and follow participants over time to see whether the markers predict worsening memory or progression to dementia. The study builds on earlier findings of elevated neurodegeneration markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with new brain dysfunction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older who had COVID-19 and now report new or measurable memory or thinking problems, especially within six months of their illness.

Not a fit: People under 60, individuals without prior COVID-19 infection, or people whose cognitive symptoms are clearly due to other diagnosed conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher risk of Alzheimer’s after COVID so they can receive earlier monitoring or interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including the investigators’ own work in hospitalized patients, have found raised Alzheimer’s-related blood markers after COVID-19, but it is still unclear if these changes lead to long-term Alzheimer’s disease.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.