Exploring how a specific protein affects cognitive issues related to COVID-19 in older adults

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between vascular dementia and cognitive decline following COVID-19, particularly focusing on the role of the alpha5beta1 integrin protein. The study aims to understand how disruptions in the blood-brain barrier and reduced blood flow in the brain contribute to these cognitive issues. By using a clinically-validated inhibitor, researchers will assess whether blocking this protein can mitigate cognitive impairment in older adults affected by COVID-19. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Tulane University of Louisiana
  New Orleans, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Bix, Gregory Jaye — Tulane University of Louisiana
• Study coordinator: Bix, Gregory Jaye

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Blocking a blood-vessel protein to protect the brain after COVID-19

  Researchers are testing whether a drug that blocks the alpha5beta1 integrin can protect the brain and reduce memory and thinking problems after COVID-19 or in people with vascular dementia.

  NIH research Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, United States · NIH-11457047

• Investigating how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease

  This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease, especially among African Americans, to better understand the risks and long-term symptoms they might face.

  NIH research University of Iowa · Iowa City, United States · NIH-11098655

• Combining cognitive rehabilitation and therapy to help patients with post-COVID cognitive issues and depression

  This study is looking to create and try out a new program that helps people who are feeling forgetful and down after having COVID-19, making sure it works well for everyone, no matter their background.

  NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11055114

• Investigating how the respiratory microbiome affects COVID-19 severity in older adults

  This study is looking at how the germs in our lungs might affect how seriously older adults get sick from COVID-19, by checking samples from over 200 hospitalized patients to see if certain germs are linked to worse outcomes, especially for those with other health issues.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10954709

• Understanding mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease risk factors across different countries

  This study is looking to find out how to spot people who might be at risk for Alzheimer's and related memory issues early on, especially those with mild cognitive impairment, so we can better understand how it develops and help create ways to prevent it, particularly in different communities around the world.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-10940117

• Exploring how COVID-19 affects children's reading skills

  This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected kids' reading skills, especially those between 0 and 11 years old, to find out which children might need extra help with their learning.

  NIH research Florida State University · Tallahassee, United States · NIH-10892980

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.