Genetic Mechanisms Underlying SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Impact of COVID-19 on Cognitive Function

Genetic Mechanisms Underlying SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Impact of COVID-19 on Cognitive Function

There is a considerable variation in the disease behavior in terms of contracting the infection, manifesting none to a range of symptoms and severity of the infection among individuals exposed to or infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative organism of COVID-19. Although the respiratory system appears to be the primary target of this virus infection, emerging evidences suggests involvement of extra-pulmonary organs including central nervous system. We aim to compare the genetic profile of individuals with vs without COVID-19 after being exposed to infected cases. Additionally, we will assess the cognitive function in covid-19 positive cases with vs. without neurological symptoms at the time of infection and 1-month follow-up using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female over 18 years of age at the time of enrollment
2. Have symptoms of COVID-19 (with or without hospitalization) or contact history
3. Willing to undergo nasopharyngeal swab test for viral-RNA at baseline (in non-hospitalized cases) and the MoCA survey at baseline and 1-month follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwilling to provide informed consent
2. MoCA score ≤17 at baseline
3. Patients with clinical diagnosis of dementia
4. Impaired consciousness