Investigating how COVID-19 affects brain function and its relation to Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Neuroprotective Potential of Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 in Nonhuman Primates
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10646617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect brain function and could be linked to Alzheimer's disease, using advanced imaging in monkeys to see how their brains change after vaccination and infection, which could help us understand the long-term effects on human brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS132017-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10646617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals who have experienced COVID-19 and exhibit cognitive deficits or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not exhibit any cognitive symptoms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on brain function and neurobiology, particularly focusing on changes that may relate to Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study will assess brain alterations in nonhuman primates after vaccination and infection with SARS-CoV-2. The goal is to identify specific brain regions that may be more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 and to understand the potential long-term cognitive implications for humans. This research could provide insights into the neurological consequences of COVID-19 and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive deficits associated with COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have indicated significant neurological impacts of COVID-19, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than being entirely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daunais, James B — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Daunais, James B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
-
How our immune system keeps a memory of vaccines and infections over time
A long-term study to understand how T cells remember SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and infections, and how this compares with common cold coronaviruses.
-
How lung memory T cells protect you after COVID-19 infection or vaccination
Researchers want to see if immune cells that stay in the lungs after COVID-19 infection or vaccination help protect people from future severe lung illness.
-
COVID-19 vaccine responses in kidney transplant patients taking mycophenolate
This project looks at how the anti-rejection drug mycophenolate affects COVID-19 vaccine protection in people with kidney transplants.
-
Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 vaccines affect immune responses
This study is looking at how well the COVID-19 vaccine and natural infection help your immune system fight the virus, by checking the types of antibodies in your blood and how long they last, so we can better understand protection against COVID-19.
-
Investigating immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in children with multiple sclerosis on immunotherapy
This study is looking at how different treatments for multiple sclerosis affect how well kids respond to COVID-19 vaccines, so we can better understand how to protect them.
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.