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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $506,052 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS138538-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
-
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care for older adults with and without dementia.
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the care for older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's and related conditions, to help find better ways to support them during tough times.
-
Investigating how COVID-19 affects the well-being and cognition of older adults with dementia
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias, especially those over 65, to help improve care for them during and after the pandemic.
-
Improving dementia care for patients and caregivers during COVID-19
This study is testing a new way to support people with dementia and their caregivers by using a team of trained helpers who provide care and guidance over the phone and online, aiming to make life easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
-
Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.
-
Synthetic protein mimetics to treat Lewy Body Dementia
A new therapeutic approach using engineered protein-like molecules to block the harmful protein clumps that cause Lewy Body Dementia.
-
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.
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.