7T COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SARS-CoV-2 and Precursors of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias: An Ultrahigh Field (7T) MRI Study in a Diverse Multinational Cohort
IRAS ID
305969
Contact name
Akram A. Hosseini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
We aim to determine whether changes in brain structure, function and connectivity are influenced by the underlying disease, whether imaging can be used to accurately differentiate between subtypes, and whether features on imaging can be used to predict long term consequences of COVID-19 on cognition (thinking ability).
We will use cutting edge brain scanning technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure what goes wrong in different parts of the brain and the way groups of cells are damaged. We will link these changes to patients’ symptoms, examinations and their neuropsychological assessment scores. In addition, we study the markers, proteins and immunological reactions in the blood in relation to the findings on the MRI of the head. Since there is increasing appreciation of the importance of genes in determining diseases, we will also study the genes that can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or different dementia subtypes. The genes that we study are not proven to reliably predict developing future dementia and we study the risks of carrying the genes in relation to the changes on the MRI of the head and other immunological markers in the blood and susceptibility to COVID-19. In order to do the gene tests, we will isolate from blood the chemical that contains the genetic code and that is called DNA.Lay summary of study results: We have collected data from 64 participants in Nottingham who experienced acute COVID-19 infection more than six months prior to recruitment, contributing to a total of 182 participants across four sites (Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Houston Methodist, and Nottingham). REDCap data have undergone quality control, and further analyses are ongoing.
Over the past year, the consortium has focused on quality control of imaging and blood sample data and harmonising data collection across multiple international cohorts. Several abstracts and manuscripts detailing emerging findings from this work have been submitted.
Over the past year, the consortium has submitted multiple abstracts and manuscripts detailing emerging findings from this work. The study focuses on a diverse, racially and ethnically representative cohort, with special emphasis on understanding disparities in research participation and outcomes. One major line of investigation examines the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with illness severity, and cognitive function across several domains. Ongoing analyses are exploring how these cognitive changes relate to NIH Toolbox performance measures and are being integrated with biological markers, including APOE genotyping and inflammatory markers.
Advanced neuroimaging techniques using 7T MRI have been central to this work. Preliminary findings indicate structural brain changes associated with COVID-19 infection, such as hippocampal subfield volumes and white matter hyperintensities. Changes to these structures may serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative processes. Additional studies have reported reduced integrity in the locus coeruleus, a brainstem nucleus implicated in arousal, attention, and early tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease. Together, these findings support a possible mechanistic link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and vulnerability to ADRD pathways.
Beyond cognition alone, the consortium is also examining sensorimotor function, both behaviourally and via MRI-based markers. These analyses aim to provide a more holistic picture of how COVID-19 affects brain systems involved in movement, perception, and coordination, and how these may overlap with cognitive decline.
Taken together, this body of work highlights the value of ultra-high field MRI for detecting subtle but potentially significant brain changes following COVID-19. The consortium’s commitment to diversity and rigorous multi-site collaboration continues to enhance the generalizability and scientific impact of these findings as analyses progress.REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0341
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion