Neural and Cognitive Consequences of COVID-19 Survival

Last updated: April 10, 2024
Sponsor: San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Covid-19

Pain (Pediatric)

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Treatment

cross-sectional MRI and EEG assessments (NO INTERVENTION)

Clinical Study ID

NCT06208943
CX002322
  • Ages 18-70
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID, continues to rage throughout the world with 115,000,000 confirmed cases and over 2,500,000 deaths (as of Mar 3, 2021). This translates to millions of people surviving COVID19 infection. While the lungs are ground zero, COVID tears through organ systems from brain to blood vessels. We are now beginning to see people recover but complain of ongoing problems, including lingering cognitive problems, depression, and anxiety. We have brought together 2 laboratories with complementary techniques including psychological testing and neuroimaging methods togethers with markers in the blood that may signal damage in the brain. A close look at these problems is timely and imperative if we are to understand the pathophysiology of 'COVID brain' and prepare for downstream problems.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Our studies require some in-person visits to our research lab, located at 42nd Ave andClement St in San Francisco.
  • Because this study includes an MRI, part of the screening process will be to ensureyou don't have any metal in your body, you do not have head or neck tattoos, and youare comfortable inside the MRI scanner.
  • 18-70 years with a confirmed COVID infection at least 3 months ago.
  • Negative metal screen for MRI safety
  • Normal (or corrected to normal) vision

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Past or present neurological problems (including seizures and head trauma resulting inneurological or cognitive symptoms)
  • Loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 30 minutes or any LOC with neurologicsymptoms
  • Major medical conditions (e.g., seizures disorders, treatment with anticonvulsantmedication, endocrine disorders, significant cardiac pathology)
  • Substance dependence, within the past year, or failed urine toxicology on the day ofneuroimaging sessions
  • Known claustrophobia
  • Current pregnancy
  • IQ estimate < 70

Study Design

Total Participants: 150
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: cross-sectional MRI and EEG assessments (NO INTERVENTION)
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 01, 2021
Estimated Completion Date:
September 30, 2025

Study Description

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been going on for over a year worldwide, with 115,000,000 confirmed cases and over 2,500,000 deaths (as of Mar 3, 2021). We are seeing people recover from the initial COVID infection with complaints of ongoing problems. An increasing number of people are complaining of cognitive deficits and depression/anxiety.

Methodologically, we have brought together two laboratories studying neurocognitive impairment using an EEG, MRI, and behavioral approach as well as laboratory-based data. This study queries neuropsychological functions in individuals using a neuropsychological battery, EEG-based measures, functional MRI (connectivity) and structural MRI (gray and white matter volumes, myelin, micro-bleeds). In addition, we have preliminary data to show a continued increase in plasma cytokines in COVID survivors. Plasma isolated neuronal enriched extracellular vesicles (nEVs) showed an increase in amyloid beta, neurofilament light and pT181-Tau, all proteins associated with neurodegeneration.

The overall aim is to determine the extent of cognitive, clinical, and neurological damage in people recovered from COVID.

Connect with a study center

  • San Francisco Heathcare System

    San Francisco, California 94121
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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