Understanding cognitive control issues in ME/CFS and post-COVID conditions
Official title: Mechanisms of Cognitive Control Impairment in ME/CFS and PASC-ME/CFS
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10912805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID fatigue affect thinking and memory, often called 'brain fog,' to help us understand why these issues happen and how they can be better treated, and we invite patients to share their experiences to help with this important research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $463,290 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS or those experiencing prolonged cognitive symptoms following COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have ME/CFS or post-COVID cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive control impairments experienced by patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and those suffering from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC-ME/CFS). The study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms contributing to cognitive dysfunction, often described as 'brain fog', which affects daily functioning. By utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarker identification, the research seeks to provide insights into how these conditions develop and persist after viral infections. Patients may be involved in assessments that help clarify their symptoms and contribute to a better understanding of these complex disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic criteria and targeted treatments for patients suffering from ME/CFS and PASC-ME/CFS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive impairments in similar patient populations, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eryilmaz, H Hamdi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Eryilmaz, H Hamdi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.