The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID, continues to rage throughout the worldwith 115,000,000 confirmed cases and over 2,500,000 deaths (as of Mar 3, 2021). Thistranslates to millions of people surviving COVID19 infection. While the lungs are groundzero, COVID tears through organ systems from brain to blood vessels. We are now beginningto see people recover but complain of ongoing problems, including lingering cognitiveproblems, depression, and anxiety. We have brought together 2 laboratories withcomplementary techniques including psychological testing and neuroimaging methodstogethers with markers in the blood that may signal damage in the brain. A close look atthese problems is timely and imperative if we are to understand the pathophysiology of'COVID brain' and prepare for downstream problems.
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.
Other: cross-sectional MRI and EEG assessments (NO INTERVENTION)
n/a there is no intervention in this observational study
Other Name: cross-sectional MRI and EEG assessments
Inclusion Criteria:
- Our studies require some in-person visits to our research lab, located at 42nd Ave
and Clement St in San Francisco.
- Because this study includes an MRI, part of the screening process will be to ensure
you don't have any metal in your body, you do not have head or neck tattoos, and you
are 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 Criteria:
- Past or present neurological problems (including seizures and head trauma resulting
in neurological or cognitive symptoms)
- Loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 30 minutes or any LOC with neurologic
symptoms
- Major medical conditions (e.g., seizures disorders, treatment with anticonvulsant
medication, endocrine disorders, significant cardiac pathology)
- Substance dependence, within the past year, or failed urine toxicology on the day of
neuroimaging sessions
- Known claustrophobia
- Current pregnancy
- IQ estimate < 70
San Francisco Heathcare System
San Francisco, California, United States
Investigator: Kaitlyn L Dal Bon, BA
Contact: 415-629-9514
kaitlyn.dalbon@ucsf.edu
Investigator: Judith M Ford, PhD
Kaitlyn L Dal Bon, BA
(415) 629-9514
kaitlyn.dalbon@ucsf.edu
Ken Lau, BS
(415) 562-4334
ken.lau@ucsf.edu
Judith M Ford, PhD, Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco