Cognitive Impairment After COVID-19-A Review on Objective Test Data

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a range of neurological complications.
• Cognitive impairment is increasingly recognized as a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on objective cognitive impairment in patients following COVID-19 infection.
• To synthesize findings regarding the prevalence and nature of cognitive deficits post-SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline in February 2021.
• Studies were selected based on a PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) framework, with 12 articles meeting inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• All included studies reported some form of global cognitive impairment, affecting 15-80% of patients.
• Impairment was noted in attention, executive functions, and memory (particularly short-term).
• Evidence for language and visuospatial deficits was less consistent, with some studies reporting no impairment.

Conclusions:

• Patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently exhibit global cognitive impairment, including deficits in memory, attention, executive function, and verbal fluency.
• Clinicians should consider cognitive assessment for all patients post-COVID-19, regardless of initial disease severity or treatment.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is necessary to fully elucidate the long-term cognitive consequences of COVID-19.