Understanding why some people have lasting thinking and mood problems after COVID-19
Official title: Mechanisms underlying delayed neurocognitive dysfunction in long-covid
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11390424 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will follow adults who had COVID-19 to understand why some experience long-lasting memory, thinking, anxiety, or mood changes and what factors make it worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,609 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080137-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390424 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and are part of the UTHealth Biorepository cohort, with follow-up data at 3–6 and 12 months.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not previously hospitalized for COVID-19 or those without follow-up data may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use participants from an existing group of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized to track cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms over time. They will look at how long these symptoms last and identify risk factors, such as age and sex, that might influence recovery. The team will examine inflammatory pathways that could link the infection to cognitive decline, using data from medical records, follow-up tests, and biospecimens. The goal is to pinpoint when and why these problems arise so clinicians can predict who is at higher risk and tailor care accordingly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help clinicians predict and manage long-term cognitive and mood problems after COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary follow-up in similar cohorts has shown persistent neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in a subset of survivors, suggesting this line of inquiry is meaningful but still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schulz, Paul E — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Schulz, Paul E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
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.