How COVID-19 affects blood vessels in the brain and its link to dementia
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the cerebrovasculature as a risk factor for VCID: Role of Wnt/beta-catenin
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect brain health and increase the risk of memory problems and dementia, especially by seeing how the virus impacts the blood-brain barrier, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how past COVID-19 infections could influence brain function later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 may increase the risk of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). It aims to understand the mechanisms by which the virus affects the blood-brain barrier and contributes to cognitive decline. The study will explore the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in brain endothelial cells and how prior COVID-19 infection influences brain health after vascular stress. By using genetic and epigenetic modifications, the researchers will assess the potential for reversing VCID through targeted interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have had COVID-19 and are experiencing cognitive difficulties or are at risk for dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not have any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for identifying individuals at high risk for dementia and developing therapies to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that viral infections can impact cognitive health, but this specific approach to studying the effects of COVID-19 on VCID is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lutz, Sarah Elizabeth — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lutz, Sarah Elizabeth
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.