Investigating how COVID-19 affects brain pathology related to dementia
Mechanistic Investigation of Neuropathological Interactions between COVID-19 and Progression of Lewy Pathology and Dementia
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 ID | NIH-11124583 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced COVID-19 and are showing early signs of cognitive decline or dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not exhibit any cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Shreveport, United States
- Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport — Shreveport, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Xiaohong — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Lu, Xiaohong
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 below.