How COVID-19 and genetics may affect memory and Alzheimer’s risk in diverse older adults
Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 infection and genetic variation on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in Ancestral and Admixed Populations
The team will compare memory tests, brain scans, blood markers, and genes in older adults with and without COVID-19 to learn how infection and genetic differences relate to later memory loss and Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180186 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a group of about 4,300 older adults from sites in the U.S., Nigeria, and Argentina and have neurological exams, cognitive tests, brain imaging, and blood draws using the same protocols. The researchers will sequence whole genomes and measure blood-based biomarkers to look for genetic patterns that change risk after COVID-19. Visits happen soon after infection (when applicable) and again at 18 and 36 months so the team can track changes over time. The focus is on people from underrepresented and admixed ancestries to better understand risks across diverse populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (especially people aged 65 and older) from Black/African, Amerindian/Latinx, or other admixed ancestries who can attend study visits and may have had COVID-19 or not.
Not a fit: People who are unwilling to undergo cognitive testing, imaging, or blood draws, those under the study's age range, or those needing immediate clinical treatment for advanced dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher risk of memory decline after COVID and point to earlier monitoring or targeted prevention for those groups.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported links between COVID-19 and cognitive problems, but large, multi-ancestry longitudinal studies that combine whole-genome sequencing with harmonized imaging and biomarker measures are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Erausquin, Gabriel Alejandro — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: De Erausquin, Gabriel Alejandro
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.