How COVID-19 infection and vaccination may affect the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination on the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11009489

This study is looking at how getting COVID-19 might affect your brain and increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, and it will also explore how vaccines could help reduce these risks.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009489 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It aims to understand how COVID-19 may cause neuroinflammation and other changes in the brain that could lead to cognitive decline. The study will utilize advanced epidemiological methods and longitudinal datasets to analyze the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the role of vaccinations in modifying these risks. Patients may be monitored through brain imaging and cognitive assessments over time to gather comprehensive data.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced COVID-19 infection or have received COVID-19 vaccinations.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or have not received vaccinations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease in individuals affected by COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions is being explored, this specific investigation into COVID-19's impact on Alzheimer’s disease is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions after COVID-19 infectionafter infection by SARS-CoV-2after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.