Pathogenic mechanisms of Neuro-PASC in older adults

We hypothesize that sleep and circadian rhythm disruption and associated fatigue affects cognitive abilities in older Neuro-PASC patients. Moreover, poor sleep may have a compounding effect on the alterations of the cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2, leading to an altered function of Tregs and development of autoimmunity, which may be a key long-term mechanism of Neuro-PASC. The rationale is that the proposed studies will enable us to understand a central aspect of Neuro-PASC pathogenesis in older adults and open new avenues to develop therapeutic and preventive interventions. We will test our hypothesis by pursuing the following Specific Aim: