Kinzinger supports bill to research neurological affects of COVID-19

Moved to action by a Morris native who experienced neurological issues caused by COVID-19, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger introduced a bill to award grants on a competitive basis to support research on neurological and psychiatric illnesses associated with the novel coronavirus infection.

Last week, Kinzinger joined six other Congress members, introducing House Resolution 5772, the Brycen Gray and Ben Price COVID-19 Neurological Impact Act, which would authorize the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, to award the research funds.

This legislation comes after the death of Price, a Morris native who died of suicide, and Ohio native Brycen Gray earlier this year – both of whom had no history of mental illness, but experienced neurological issues caused by COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on all our lives, but some families across the country have also been victim to a less understood result of a COVID diagnosis,” Kinzinger said in a news release. “There have been cases of drastic neurological changes and psychiatric illness among individuals following a COVID-19 diagnosis that, in some instances, has led to suicide.

“After speaking to the Price family and hearing stories from other members’ constituents, I knew something had to be done. I’m grateful to be a part of this bipartisan group and am hopeful that this legislation will be swiftly considered by Congress so we can get answers for these families and establish a strategy to prevent additional cases.”

According to research published in The Lancet Psychiatry, one-in-three patients diagnosed with COVID-19 experience a neurological or psychiatric illness following their diagnosis and infection. Even more alarming, one-in-eight patients are diagnosed with such an illness for the first time. While anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders are among the most common symptoms, researchers have also uncovered a prevalence of serious complications, such as psychosis, dementia and brain hemorrhages, Kinzinger said in a release, citing the research.