Brain changes from COVID-19 and long-term memory in older adults
Brain signature of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and its impact on long-term cognitive functioning in older adults
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects the brain and memory over time in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how SARS-CoV-2 infection, or COVID-19, might lead to changes in the brain that affect thinking and memory, especially in older individuals. Researchers are exploring if COVID-19 causes damage to the brain's small blood vessels, which can contribute to memory problems and dementia. They want to find out if older adults who had COVID-19 show more of this brain damage and if it progresses faster. This work will help us learn more about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health and conditions like Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be older adults who have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection and are experiencing or are at risk for cognitive changes.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had SARS-CoV-2 infection or are not older adults with cognitive concerns may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand and potentially prevent or treat long-term cognitive issues in older adults who have had COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: While the long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function are still being understood, previous reports have highlighted cognitive and psychiatric issues associated with the infection, suggesting a basis for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schifitto, Giovanni — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Schifitto, Giovanni
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.