How alcohol misuse affects cognitive and respiratory health in COVID-19 patients
Official title: Impact of Alcohol Misuse on Cognitive and Respiratory Outcomes in COVID-19-associated Acute Respiratory Failure
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10671588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking too much alcohol might affect people with severe COVID-19 breathing problems, especially those on breathing machines, to see if it makes their thinking and breathing worse, and to find ways to help them recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $236,921 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029855-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced COVID-19-related ARDS and have a history of alcohol misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol misuse or who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19-related ARDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of alcohol misuse on patients suffering from COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It aims to understand how alcohol consumption may worsen cognitive and respiratory outcomes in these patients, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. The study will analyze the relationship between alcohol misuse and the development of delirium, which is common in ICU patients and can lead to long-term cognitive impairment. By identifying these connections, the research seeks to highlight modifiable factors that could improve recovery outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for COVID-19 patients with a history of alcohol misuse, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between alcohol misuse and worsened outcomes in ARDS, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring an entirely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burnham, Ellen L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Burnham, Ellen L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using a simple breathing test to check lung function after kids’ acute respiratory failure
A study will test a child-friendly breathing method (oscillometry) to check how well lungs work after severe respiratory illness in kids.
-
Financial hardship in acute respiratory failure patients and their family caregivers
This grant studies how money worries affect patients with acute respiratory failure and their family caregivers, aiming to improve outcomes for both sides.
-
Understanding which patients and hospital care pathways affect outcomes after ICU vs ward care for ARF and sepsis
A big study using hospital records to figure out which patients with acute respiratory failure and sepsis do best when admitted to ICUs versus general wards.
-
Optimizing Time-Limited Trials of Ventilation in Acute Respiration Failure
Aimed at patients with acute respiratory failure, this project looks at how short-term trials of life-support in the ICU can be better planned and communicated.
-
Using a simple breathing test to check how kids recover lung function after severe lung illness
A study will test a quick, noninvasive breathing test called oscillometry to see how well children who survived dangerous lung problems recover over time.
-
Breathing effort and ventilator safety in severe respiratory failure
This research looks at how a person's own breathing effort affects lung and diaphragm injury for adults on ventilators for acute respiratory failure.
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.