Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 80

Understanding long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 in Veterans

Official title: Immune-mediated Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neuro-PASC in Veterans

Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06932237 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand how COVID-19 affects the thinking and mental health of Veterans over time to help find better treatments for those struggling with these issues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Federal
Locations2 sites (Portland, Oregon and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 20, 2025
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2028
Study endsMarch 31, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 31, 2026
Trial IDNCT06932237 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans who have had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and currently experience neuro-PASC symptoms.

Probably not a fit

Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders or mood disorders prior to their COVID-19 infection may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the long-term neuropsychiatric and neurological effects of COVID-19, specifically focusing on Veterans who experience cognitive impairments and mental health symptoms post-infection. Researchers will conduct a longitudinal assessment of cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms while evaluating biomarkers related to inflammation and neuropsychiatric function. The study will integrate clinical findings with biological data to identify potential biomarkers and clinical endpoints that could inform future therapeutic interventions for neuro-PASC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Veterans suffering from cognitive deficits and mental health issues following COVID-19.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in understanding the neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19, but this specific approach focusing on Veterans and neuro-PASC is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Eligible participants will:

* have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 4 weeks prior to enrollment, defined as a positive PCR or home antigen test
* be able to give informed consent as determined by brief cognitive exam and evaluation of understanding of the risks, benefits, and voluntary nature of the study

Additionally, participants enrolled as part of the neuro-PASC group must also:

* currently experience neuro-PASC symptoms, not present prior to infection, as confirmed by the "Long COVID-19 Symptom Assessment" scale, a self-report measure that consists of 46 common COVID-19 sequela symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for all groups:

* diagnosed with dementia, traumatic brain injury, a neurological syndrome (e.g. Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease), or other progressive cognitive disorder before SARS-CoV-2 infection
* diagnosed with a mood or psychotic disorder before SARS-CoV-2 infection
* history of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection
* unstable medical conditions or active uncontrolled autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

Where it's running

  • VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
    Portland, Oregon, United States
    Recruiting
  • James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN
    Mountain Home, Tennessee, United States
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jennifer M Loftis, MA PhD — VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
  • Study coordinator: Jennifer M Loftis, MA PhD
  • Email: Jennifer.Loftis2@va.gov
  • Phone: (503) 220-8262

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.