Investigating how COVID-19 affects brain inflammation in older adults
Official title: Exploring the role of hyper-phagocytic microglia and SYK signaling in the aged hippocampus during COVID-19
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11016938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect the brains of older people, especially how inflammation could lead to memory problems or Alzheimer's, by examining changes in the brains of older mice that got the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,183 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS135897-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced COVID-19 and are showing signs of cognitive decline or neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or have not been infected with COVID-19 are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of COVID-19 on the brains of older individuals, particularly focusing on inflammation and its potential link to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. By studying aged mice infected with a mouse-adapted strain of SARS-CoV-2, the researchers aim to understand how hyper-phagocytic microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, respond to the infection. The study will analyze changes in the hippocampus, a critical area for memory and learning, to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to neurological issues following COVID-19. The findings could provide insights into how systemic inflammation from infections like COVID-19 can exacerbate age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for cognitive decline in older adults following COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that inflammation plays a significant role in cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Natale, Nick — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Natale, Nick
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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.