Effects of COVID-19 on the brain and behavior in adolescents
Official title: Structural, Functional, and Neurobehavioral Consequences of Adolescent COVID-19
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11060177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might change the brains of teenagers during a key time for their development, by comparing brain scans and thinking skills before and after the pandemic to see if there are any differences related to the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,696 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH136797-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have had a documented history of COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 infection affects brain structure and function in adolescents, a critical period for cognitive development. By comparing brain imaging and cognitive data from adolescents before and after the pandemic, the study aims to identify changes in brain morphology and function linked to neuroinflammation caused by the virus. The research will utilize advanced imaging techniques to assess both structural and functional brain abnormalities and their relationship to cognitive performance and mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for cognitive and mental health issues arising from COVID-19 in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that viral infections can lead to neuroinflammation and cognitive changes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryan, Meghann — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ryan, Meghann
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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.