Cognitive problems after COVID-19 linked to gut and blood-vessel health
Official title: Cognitive sequelae of cerebrovascular and gut dysfunction in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11333908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute is exploring why some people who had COVID-19 continue to have brain fog and attention problems, and how changes in the gut and blood vessels might be involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $715,659 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129407-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who have had COVID-19 and experience or are at risk for post-acute cognitive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without post-acute cognitive symptoms or those not affected by gut or vascular changes may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how COVID-19-related changes in the gut and blood vessels could affect thinking skills like memory, attention, and processing speed in adults. It will examine potential indirect brain effects that persist after mild or asymptomatic infections, not just direct virus invasion of the brain. The research team will integrate measurements of vascular, gut, and cognitive function to identify possible links. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could lead to new ways to prevent or treat long-term cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets to prevent or lessen brain-fog and improve quality of life for people recovering from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested links between vascular/gut changes and cognitive symptoms, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear and this study seeks to clarify them.
Where this research is happening
-
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vakhtin, Andrei a — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Vakhtin, Andrei a
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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.