Investigating long-term mental health effects of COVID-19 in older adults
Official title: Long-term Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Late Life
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11075773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect the brain and mental health of people aged 65 and older, to see if it leads to more cases of dementia or mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $709,599 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076819-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have a history of COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those who have not been infected with COVID-19 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19 on individuals aged 65 and older. It aims to determine if there is an increased incidence of dementia and psychiatric disorders following COVID-19 infection. The study will utilize data from the Veterans Health Administration and Medicare to track health outcomes in a national sample of older adults. By examining these outcomes, the research seeks to identify risk factors associated with the development of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of mental health issues in older adults who have recovered from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated potential links between viral infections and neuropsychiatric outcomes, suggesting this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Byers, Amy Lynn — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Byers, Amy Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
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Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and its effects on placenta and child development
This grant studies how COVID-19 infection during pregnancy might change the placenta and influence a child’s brain development, especially in kids who may be at higher genetic risk for ADHD/ASD.
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How COVID-19 and genetics influence memory and dementia risk in older adults
This project studies how getting COVID-19 interacts with people’s genetic makeup to affect the likelihood of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in older adults from diverse backgrounds.
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This project in Kenya checks how having had COVID-19 might influence the reactivation of latent tuberculosis in adults.
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.