Characterizing neurocognitive deficits in post-acute sequelae of covid-19

The National Institute on Aging awarded Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc., a veteran-owned small business, $690,899 on September 16, 2025, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to validate and deploy a mobile electroencephalography platform for objective assessment of neurocognitive deficits in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Advanced Brain Monitoring will conduct a longitudinal study over one year (through May 31, 2027) enrolling 52 participants with neurological manifestations of long COVID. The research integrates resting-state EEG with task-based event-related potential protocols to characterize delayed neural responses during auditory and memory tasks, identify biomarker profiles specific to neuro-PASC, and track recovery trajectories or early signs of persistent cognitive decline. The study leverages the company's FDA-cleared mobile EEG platform and validated analysis pipelines to provide a scalable solution for clinical use and remote assessments. Successful completion will deliver quantitative EEG/ERP biomarkers enabling objective evaluation of cognitive severity and treatment efficacy for future therapeutic interventions.

Work is performed in Carlsbad, California. The award is classified as a Project Grant, the assistance type supporting Small Business Innovation Research and research development activities under NIA's mission to advance biomedical and behavioral research in aging.

Abstract

Post-acute sequelae of covid-19 (pasc), or long covid, is an emerging global health crisis with an urgent need for objective assessment tools to quantify neurocognitive deficits. This proposal aims to validate and leverage a novel mobile electroencephalography (EEG) platform to provide accessible, cost-effective cognitive assessments for individuals suffering from neurological manifestations of pasc (npasc). Our preliminary data suggests that EEG/event-related potential (ERP) biosignatures, including delayed neural responses during auditory and memory tasks, are sensitive to cognitive impairments in npasc. However, the trajectory and specificity of these deficits remain unclear. This study will validate these preliminary findings in a larger cohort (n=52) and longitudinally monitor changes over one year to map recovery or detect early signs of persistent cognitive decline. The innovative approach integrates resting-state EEG with multiple task-based ERP protocols, enabling comprehensive profiling of neural dysfunction associated with npasc. Leveraging advanced brain monitoring's FDA-cleared mobile EEG platform and validated analysis pipelines will provide a scalable solution for widespread clinical use and remote assessments. If successful, this study will deliver a quantitative EEG/ERP biomarker profile specific to neuro-pasc, enabling objective evaluation of cognitive deficits. Longitudinal monitoring will elucidate the natural trajectory, identify potential risk factors for persistent impairment, and provide outcome measures for future therapeutic interventions. This innovative diagnostic tool will empower patients and clinicians by providing objective evidence of npasc severity and treatment efficacy.