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Understanding Long COVID's Effects on Veterans' Brain Health

This study is looking into why some Veterans experience mental health symptoms, like "brain fog," after having COVID-19. Researchers want to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain function and mental health. They will be observing 200 Veterans to identify specific signs in the body (biomarkers) that are linked to these symptoms. The goal is to find ways to better understand and treat these issues in the future. To join, you must be between 18 and 80 years old, have had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 4 weeks before enrolling, and be able to provide informed consent. The study is currently recruiting participants.

Study design
This is an observational study involving 200 participants. Researchers will be monitoring participants over time to understand the effects of COVID-19.
What's involved
You will have assessments at the start of the study, and then again at 6 months and 12 months. These assessments will include tests for fatigue, memory, and spatial working memory.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 months after starting the study, with assessments at 6 and 12 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06932237

Immune-mediated Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neuro-PASC in Veterans

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–80Observational
VA Office of Research and Development
~200 participants
Updated 2026-03-31 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Measured over Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month
+9 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Neuro-PASC
Long COVID

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Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

NCT06932237

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 2 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN

    Mountain Home, Tennesseestudy coordinator listed

    Not yet recruiting

  • VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

    Portland, Oregonstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Jennifer M Loftis, MA PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Who to contact

Jennifer M Loftis, MA PhD
[email protected]
(503) 220-8262 · ext. 57155
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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
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

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

What this trial measures

  • Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    A nine-item self-report questionnaire designed to assess fatigue as a symptom of a variety of different chronic conditions and disorders.

  • Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    A self-report measure of everyday memory, assessing prospective (the ability to remember to do things in the future) and retrospective memory.

  • Spatial Working Memory (SWM)Baseline, 6-Months, 12-Months

    Online cognitive assessment requiring retention and manipulation of visuospatial information; measures executive functioning (i.e., strategy) and working memory.

  • Paired Associates Learning (PAL)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    Online cognitive assessment measuring visual memory and new learning.

  • Stockings of Cambridge (SOC)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    Online cognitive assessment measuring problem-solving strategies.

  • Delayed Matching Sample (DMS)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    Online cognitive assessment measuring visual matching ability and short-term visual recognition memory.

  • Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP)Baseline, 6-Month, 12-Month

    Online cognitive assessment measuring sustained attention.

  • Apolipoprotein E (APOE) GenotypingBaseline, 6-Months, 12-Months

    A genetic test that determines a person's inherited variations in the APOE gene. This gene plays a role in cholesterol metabolism and brain health. Blood and saliva samples will be used.

  • Long Covid QuestionnaireBaseline

    Self-report measure that assesses the continued presence of Long-COVID symptomology.

  • Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning - Verbal Fluency (D-KEFS-VF)Baseline, 6-Months, 12-Months

    Neuropsychological assessment measure of verbal behavioral productivity and cognitive flexibility.