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

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.