Investigating long-term mental health effects of COVID-19 in older adults

Long-term Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Late Life

NIH-funded research Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11075773

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11075773 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have a history of COVID-19 infection.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those who have not been infected with COVID-19 may not receive benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.