# BRAIN-2 COVID-19 Administrative Supplement

> **NIH NIH R01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $868,245

## Abstract

The NIA-funded BRAIN-ICU-2 Study [Bringing to light the Risk factors And Incidence of Neuropsychological
dysfunction (dementia) in ICU Survivors, 2nd Study] will define the relationship between ICU delirium and
dementia. The proposed administrative supplement to BRAIN-ICU-2 Study (R01 AG58639) is in response to
NIA Availability of Administrative Supplements and Revision Supplements on Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) (NOT-AG-022; PA-18-591). To understand the brain tissue damage of acute delirium caused by
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), we will perform new neuropathological
studies of critically ill patients affected by COVID-19, as well as those with Alzheimer’s disease and related
dementia (ADRD) with/without critical illness. By studying COVID-19, we will better understand the relationship
between delirium and ADRD. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICU’s) across the
nation are awash with patients experiencing delirium, a major ICU risk factor for future ADRD. These delirium
symptoms of impaired consciousness include headache, alteration of gustatory, olfactory, and visual function,
neuropathy, seizures, agitation, encephalitis, and/or Guillain-Barre syndrome. These delirium signs and
symptoms could be due to SARS-CoV-2 infection of the brain, particularly in those with ADRD. We do not
know if there are direct nervous system consequences of COVID-19 (e.g., inflammation), and/or indirect
nervous system consequences, e.g., coagulopathy. To our knowledge, limited autopsy series that included
brain tissue have been published. No information about ADRD was provided. The proposed supplement will
specifically compare multiple groups of patients, ICU patients with/without ADRD with/without COVID-19, along
with non-ICU patients with/without ADRD and with/without COVID-19. The BRAIN-ICU-2 study will provide ICU
patients with/without ADRD with/without COVID-19. The NIA-supported Religious Orders Study (ROS; P30
AG10161, R01 AG15819), and Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP; R01 AG17917) will provide non-ICU
patients with/without ADRD and with/without COVID-19. The proposed supplement will further build on
collaboration between the Vanderbilt and Rush BRAIN-ICU-2 study teams, and represent the most
comprehensive neuropathologic examination of COVID-19 brains compared to non-COVID-19 brains, in those
with/without ADRD, and with/without critical illness. This supplement will create a unique resource for the
world-wide COVID-19 research community, with a strong and sustained impact on the fields of ICU delirium
and ADRD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10204693
- **Project number:** 3R01AG058639-02S2
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** E Wesley ELY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $868,245
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-04-15 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10204693

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10204693, BRAIN-2 COVID-19 Administrative Supplement (3R01AG058639-02S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10204693. Licensed CC0.

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