Investigating cognitive issues related to blood vessel and gut problems after COVID-19.
Official title: Cognitive sequelae of cerebrovascular and gut dysfunction in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11097264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19, even in mild cases, might cause ongoing brain fog and thinking problems by affecting blood vessels and gut health, and it's for people who have recovered from the virus and want to understand their lingering symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $724,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129407-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced cognitive symptoms after recovering from COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had COVID-19 or those without cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the cognitive challenges faced by individuals recovering from COVID-19, particularly those who experienced mild or asymptomatic cases. It aims to understand how damage to blood vessels and the gut may contribute to persistent symptoms like 'brain fog' and cognitive deficits. By examining the role of the gut microbiome and the effects of the virus on the neurovascular unit, the study seeks to uncover indirect mechanisms that lead to chronic cognitive dysfunction. Participants may undergo assessments of their cognitive functions and gut health to help identify these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for cognitive impairments following COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored cognitive effects of COVID-19, this research focuses on novel indirect mechanisms, making it a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vakhtin, Andrei a — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Vakhtin, Andrei a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
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.