Long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain function and mental health
Official title: Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Cognitive Function and Mental Health
Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-10928137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having mild COVID-19 might impact your thinking and mental health over time, especially for those who tested positive, and it aims to help understand and support anyone dealing with ongoing symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Northern California Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mather, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, especially those who experienced mild symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or those with severe cognitive impairments unrelated to the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 affects cognitive function and mental health over time, particularly in individuals who experienced mild cases of the virus. It aims to follow up with patients who tested positive for COVID-19 to assess the long-term consequences on their mental well-being and cognitive abilities. By analyzing data from Veterans and other affected individuals, the study seeks to identify patterns and potential interventions for those suffering from lingering symptoms. The methodology includes comprehensive assessments of mental health and cognitive performance at various intervals post-infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive and mental health issues arising from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 can lead to lasting cognitive and mental health issues, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Northern California Health Care Sys
Mather, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swick, Diane — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Swick, Diane
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Thinking, Mood, and Daily Life
This grant looks at how COVID-19 may affect thinking, memory, and mental health over time in people who were infected.
-
How local COVID-19 rules and supports affected mental health and access to care across racial and income groups
This project looks at whether county-level COVID policies and economic supports changed mental health and health care use for adults from different racial and income backgrounds.
-
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health in sexual minorities
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on the extra challenges they face because of stigma and inequality, to better understand their experiences and needs during this tough time.
-
Understanding how early life factors affect mental health in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
This study is looking at how young adults from low-income and diverse backgrounds are dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it aims to find ways to help them cope better as they grow up.
-
Examining how local COVID-19 policies affect mental health and healthcare access among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
This study looks at how different public health rules during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and healthcare access of people, especially those from Black and Latinx communities, to see how these rules helped or hurt them in 250 counties across the U.S.
-
Community-based mental health support for Latinx immigrants and African refugees affected by COVID-19
This study is looking to help Latinx immigrants and African refugees who have been struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing support through a peer advocacy program and working with local organizations to improve access to resources, all while checking in over six months to see how well these efforts are
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.