Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
Official title: Post COVID-19 Neuro-Cognitive Manifestations and Underlying Mechanisms in Older African Americans
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11577296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,435,484 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG076747-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11577296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older African American adults (50+) who have had a history of COVID-19 infection and are willing to participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of COVID-19 or those not meeting age or consent criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
The research follows people 50 years and older who had COVID-19 to understand long-term brain effects and cognitive problems. It uses cognitive tests, brain scans, cardiovascular checks, and blood and spinal fluid analyses to look for biomarkers and mechanisms. The team has already recruited 300 participants and is examining how race, health conditions, and social factors influence risk and progression. Findings could help tailor treatments and follow-up care for this high-risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better screening, prevention, and management of long-term cognitive issues in older African Americans after COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show mixed results; this project builds on existing cohorts and aims to clarify mechanisms in a high-risk population.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajjar, Ihab M — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hajjar, Ihab M
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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.