NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how COVID-19 affects brain pathology related to dementia

Official title: Mechanistic Investigation of Neuropathological Interactions between COVID-19 and Progression of Lewy Pathology and Dementia

Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11124583 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect the brain and lead to dementia, especially by examining how the virus interacts with a protein linked to memory problems, using special mice to help understand these changes for people who have had COVID-19.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLouisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Shreveport, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$506,052
NIH project number1R56NS138538-01
Project IDNIH-11124583 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced COVID-19 and are showing early signs of cognitive decline or dementia.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not exhibit any cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the connections between COVID-19 and the progression of Lewy body pathology and dementia. It examines how the virus may trigger changes in the brain that lead to neurodegenerative disorders, particularly focusing on the interactions between viral proteins and α-synuclein, a protein associated with dementia. The study utilizes a human ACE2 transgenic mouse model to investigate these mechanisms in a controlled environment, aiming to understand the underlying biological processes that may contribute to cognitive decline in patients post-COVID-19.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment and prevention of dementia related to COVID-19.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have indicated potential links between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this research could build on existing findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
    Shreveport, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lu, Xiaohong — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
  • Study coordinator: Lu, Xiaohong

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.