Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults Hospitalized for COVID-19
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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Impaired cognition is common among survivors of hospitalization for COVID-19. However, the current lack of knowledge regarding risk factors for and pathogenesis of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 hinders efforts to develop treatment and prevention strategies. This administrative supplement proposal is an extension of the existing K23 grant (5K23AG058756-01; “Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Hospital Associated Disability in Older Adults”), which was awarded to determine the ability of sarcopenia, operationalized as muscle mass and strength, to predict the development of functional impairment among older adults hospitalized with sepsis. In particular, the proposed study will enhance and expand upon Dr. Andrews's ongoing cohort study focused on sarcopenia and physical function outcomes among older adult survivors of hospitalization for COVID-19. The proposed study will test 1) whether sarcopenia is associated with increased risk of incident cognitive impairment (a precursor to Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related dementias (AD/ADRD)) among older adult survivors of hospitalization for COVID-19 (n=200), and 2) whether those with baseline cognitive impairment (such those AD/ADRD) and sarcopenia are particularly at risk for worsened cognitive function after COVID-19. Both patient-reported and objective measures of sarcopenia and cognitive function will be assessed. Identification of sarcopenia as an important and potentially modifiable risk factor among older adults for incident cognitive impairment after hospitalization for COVID-19 will advance understanding of pathogenesis and likely facilitate development of strategies and interventions to improve cognitive outcomes for these patients. This supplement is made in relation to NOT-AG-21-018.
